On Thursday, Memphis lost a light.

Nick Vergos was a beloved restaurateur and life-long Memphian who was known for his contagious smile and generous spirit. He lost his battle with cancer Thursday and died at age 67.

Nick was the son of Charlie Vergos, the founder of The Rendezvous in Downtown Memphis. He grew up around the restaurant and worked there most of his life, carrying on the traditions that his father started in 1948.

“Nick Vergos was more than America’s Barbecue King. Nick personified all that is good about his hometown. He was Mr. Memphis,” said Jack Sammons, Nick’s life-long friend and general chairman of WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational golf tournament. “Nick’s face, his voice and his personality were all a brand in itself recognized around the world as a Memphis icon. If there was a Mount Rushmore for barbecue, Nick and his dad 'Big Charlie' would be there side-by-side.”

A cook at home as well as at the restaurant, Nick was had the honor of cooking at the James Beard House in New York not once, but twice.

“When Nick was invited to cook at the James Beard House, of all the chefs from Memphis there, he and his ribs were what they talked most about,” said Jose Gutierrez, who is the chef and owner of River Oaks restaurant.

“Today, we lost a magical person,” added Gutierrez about his dear friend. “He was the biggest ambassador for Memphis. But above all, Nick was a gentleman and the kindest person I ever met.”

Nick loved to entertain and feed people. He volunteered his time over the decades to cook at an endless array of charity events across town, often serving The Rendezvous’ world-famous ribs. But he was just as often willing to take a background role and assist another chef in the kitchen. His humility was always obvious in his generosity and willingness to help.

Those that worked with him in the restaurant community viewed him as a friend and a mentor.

"Nick had the unique ability to talk to anyone, especially about food and Memphis," said Johnny Pitts of Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance. "On every trip we took with Nick and Jenny, we'd dine at a well-known restaurant, but when seated, Nick was gone. We'd find him in the kitchen talking to the chefs about Memphis, food and recipes — that is except for the famous Rendezvous recipes.They always asked and he never shared that secret.

"In every aspect of his life, Nick's natural personality was to give more than he received."

Nick was a champion for all things Memphis. He loved introducing friends to small family-owned restaurants like Payne’s Bar-B-Que, where he encouraged people to try their fried sausage and bologna sandwiches, and Roxie’s Grocery for what he said was the best burger in town.

His generous spirit went beyond the restaurant community. Even as he battled his own cancer, he would volunteer his time to help others in need. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Southern Reins were two organizations near and dear to his heart.

“Nick has been a volunteer at Southern Reins since our inception,” said Courtney Smith, Southern Reins chairman. “The passion and joy that Nick brought with him each time he came to the farm was truly contagious. There are no words we can say to express the loss in our hearts.”

Nick's work "forever changed the landscape of Make-A-Wish," according to a statement from the foundation.

"It’s impossible to put into words the impact he had on thousands and thousands of families and the amazing joy that he spread," the Make-A-Wish Mid-South statement read. "Year after year, he went above and beyond what anyone would’ve expected to ensure that our wishes were top-notch, our events were well supported and that no child with a critical illness was turned down for a wish. ...

"There is no way we could ever forget the impact of he and his family. It intertwines deep through so many lives and it goes without saying that his legacy will live on in so many ways."

Nick leaves behind his wife, Jenny, and five children. He also survived by his mother, Tasia Vergos; his brother, John Vergos; and his sister, Tina Jennings.

Funeral arrangements

Visitation will be from 6:30-9 p.m. Sunday at Hope Church located at 8500 Walnut Grove Road. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Those attending are asked to use entrance three.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining Reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.