In his younger days, Butch White was a blacksmith, traveling the country shoeing horses. But in 1989, he put away his blacksmithing tools to forge a career in barbecue.

The Giles County native purchased a game room with the idea of returning the building to its roots as a restaurant. The facility already had a small barbecue pit on site. White put in a bigger one, the better to serve his now legendary barbecue pork and ribs.

Since then, Hickory House Barbecue has grown from a Giles County favorite to a regional delicacy. White’s staff caters to hungry diners anywhere within a two-hour radius of Pulaski, making regular trips to Nashville, Huntsville, Tullahoma and all places in between.

The restaurant opens daily at noon, though closing time is subject to interpretation.

“People don’t pay attention to that,” White says. “They come in whenever they want something to eat.”

And White is all about catering to his customers needs.

For nearly 20 years, he has opened his restaurant, and his heart, to the needs of Giles County citizens. If a sports team or church group or sick child is looking for a way to raise funds, Hickory House has always been there to help.

“I always thought I owed everything I ever made to the people of Giles County, and I try to give back what I can,” he says.

White’s giving attitude is being repaid in kind. The father of four and grandfather of seven with his wife, Renay, is battling bone cancer, with multiple melanomas that require regular bone marrow transplants. Thus far, his doctors have been amazed at his body’s response, which he credits to the prayers and well wishes he’s received from the people of Giles County.

“I told the doctor I had everybody in Giles County praying for me. He said, ‘You keep them praying, and I’ll keep giving you the medicine,’” White says.