LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville barbecue chef and Ya Ya’s BBQ business owner, David McAtee, was celebrated on Saturday during his homegoing at Canaan Christian Church in Louisville. 

“He was a giving person. He was sharing. He was one who protected those close to him,” said Rev. Mario Martin of Praise Nation Church. 

McAtee was shot to death by a Kentucky National Guard member while at his YaYa BBQ business in West Louisville on Monday, June 1, when Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and the Kentucky National Guard were dispatched to 26th and Broadway to enforce the city's curfew at the time.

Hundreds turned out to Saturday to pay their respects. One of them was renowned chef Edward Lee.

Lee is converting his downtown Louisville restaurant, Milkwood, into the "McAtee Community Kitchen" that is slated to open on June 15.

Lee says the kitchen will carry on McAtee's legacy by creating opportunities in the west end.

“Though I can’t say that I knew you well; I can say that I knew your spirit. You were a chef. You loved your community. You are a kind soul. You fed people who need it again, and again, and again,” Lee said. 

This wasn’t a funeral. It was a homegoing that celebrated McAtee’s life that’s now going home to the Lord in heaven. Bishop Dennis Lyons of Louisville said his life and others didn’t die in vain. 

“God has used David. God has used Breonna. God has used George to make our spirit strong,” Lyons said. 

McAtee was laid to rest after the funeral with family and friends gathered once again at Green Meadows Cemetery to say their final farewell to the man they loved so much, as a son, brother, uncle, and friend.