Austin ?AK? ?Kay? Kerney Saville

Mr. Austin Kerney "AK" "Kay" Saville, age 87, left us on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. Kay was born on July 6, 1935, in Long Pond Georgia, to AK and Alberta Saville (Crenshaw). He grew up in Rochelle, Georgia where he graduated high school. He then attended the University of Georgia in 1959 where he received a degree in Forestry. After graduation he began his career in Forestry by working for the State of Florida as a State Forester. While pursuing his career in forestry, he met the love of his life, Ila Mae (Strain) Saville. In 1962 they were married. Kay and Ila settled in Graceville, Florida where he started Saville Timber Company and they raised their two loving daughters Tina & Sylvia. The family later moved to Buena Vista, Georgia where he worked for Georgia Timberlands corporation as a regional manager. After retiring from Georgia Timberlands he and Ila moved back to Rochelle, Georgia where he started a timber consulting business, Tree Master Forestry. Kay was a lifelong Methodist and a member of Rochelle United Methodist Church. Kay Saville was a founder of the Georgia Barbecue Association in which he was active for many years including serving as president, representative, master judge and affectionately earned the name "Grandaddy of BBQ". This organization became his second family where friendships were made, and good times were had. The Grandaddy of BBQ helped competitors hone their skills and was a great ambassador for the world of competition BBQ. Kay was preceded in death by his wife Ila Mae Saville, his parents, and his younger brother Edwin Linwood Saville. He is survived by his daughters Tina Saville Roberts, Sylvia Saville Gay (Charlie), his grandchildren Austin Steed (Katie), David Roberts, Dana Brown (Thomas), Jeremy Gay, Amber Burk (John), Blake Gay (Danielle), his greatgrandchildren Taylor-Kate Brown, Austin Kade "AK" Steed, Addie Grace & Charleigh Rose Gay, Hudson and Brenna Burk, several nieces, nephews, and many friends that he held near and dear to his heart. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 13, 2022 3:30pm at Rochelle United Methodist Church, 522 Gordon Street, Rochelle, GA 31079. The family will receive visitors prior to the service beginning at 2:30 at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Rochelle United Methodist Church in memory of AK Saville, Jr.