Chick-fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy Passes Away

The founder of Chick-fil-A restaurants has passed away. S. Truett Cathy died early Monday morning surrounded by family members at the age of 93. Funeral plans have not yet been made public.

Cathy opened his first diner in 1946 in Atlanta that grew into the Chick-fil-A restaurant. For decades, Cathy's fast food restaurants have offered a taste of the south, from chicken sandwiches to sweet tea and biscuits and gravy.

There are more than 1,800 outlets in 39 states, including several here in the metro.

The chain also is known for its Christian faith. As you know, none of its restaurants are open on Sunday to allow workers to have a day of rest.

If you remember, in 2012, there was some controversy when Cathy's son, Dan, spoke against same-sex marriage. Gay rights groups and others called for boycotts and kiss-ins at the restaurants. The controversy later subsided.

Cathy is worth $6 billion. That fortune put him on the yearly Forbes magazine list of the wealthiest Americans.

Cathy was involved in the chain's day to day operations well into his eighties. And he recently made a contract with his children to make sure the company never goes public.