Chick-fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy Dead at 93

S. Truett Cathy, the founder of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain, passed away early Monday morning at the age of 93.

"He died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones," Chick-fil-A said in a statement posted on its website.

The first Chick-fil-A opened in Atlanta in 1967, and in the following decades it expanded to more than 1,800 stores in 39 states.

The chain store has been known for its biblical values and being closed on Sundays to allow employees a day of rest.

In 2012, it also drew backlash for its rejection of gay marriage.

Cathy defended the company's position, telling CBN News that the marriage commitment made sense for Chick-fil-A because the company follows biblical principles.

"If a person can't conduct their personal life, you can't expect them to be a high performer in his business," Cathy said.

Chick-fil-A spokesman Mark Baldwin said funeral plans had not yet been finalized.

Cathy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeannette McNeil Cathy; sons Dan T. and Don "Bubba" Cathy; daughter Trudy Cathy White; 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

In 1996, Cathy appeared on The 700 Club with Pat Robertson. He  talked about Chick-fil-a's success and his commitment to stay closed on Sundays.