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John Willingham

1932 – 2013

American inventor, barbecue pitmaster, restaurateur, and public servant

Politician PitmasterInventor

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About John Willingham

Lived 1932 – 2013 (aged 80). John Willingham was an American politician, pitmaster, inventor and restaurateur.

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Important facts

Born

19 May 1932, Bevier

Birth century

20th century

Died

15 May 2013, Memphis

Occupation

Politician, Pitmaster, inventor, restaurateur

Nationality

United States

Education

University of Missouri

Positions held

County commissioner

Employers

Whamco, Inc., Willingham's World Champion BBQ

Awards

Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest Grand Champion; American Royal BBQ Hall of Fame

Also known as

John Herman Willingham

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Willingham's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Willingham?

American inventor, barbecue pitmaster, restaurateur, and public servant

When was John Willingham born?

John Willingham was born on 19 May 1932 in Bevier.

When did John Willingham die?

John Willingham died on 15 May 2013 in Memphis.

What was John Willingham's occupation?

John Willingham was a politician, pitmaster, inventor and restaurateur.

What nationality was John Willingham?

John Willingham was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Willingham

· Wikidata: Q139105676

· DBpedia: John Herman Willingham

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Willingham. https://biography.guide/john-willingham-politician/

MLA: "John Willingham." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-willingham-politician/.

Chicago: "John Willingham." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-willingham-politician/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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