Chick-fil-A spokesman Mark Baldwin tells The Associated Press Cathy died early Monday at home surrounded by family members.
For decades, Cathy's fast food restaurants have offered a taste of the South, from chicken sandwiches to sweet tea and biscuits and gravy.
The chain also is known for its Bible Belt observance of Sunday — none of its more than 1,800 restaurants in 39 states and Washington, D.C. are open on that day to allow employees a day of rest.
Cathy's $6 billion fortune as the founder of Chick-fil-A put him on the yearly Forbes magazine list of the wealthiest Americans in the country.
