Georgia Historical Society Statement on

the Passing of S. Truett Cathy

Savannah, Ga., September 8, 2014-   GHS notes with sadness the passing of S. Truett Cathy, Chick-Fil-A founder and Georgia Trustee. Cathy was inducted by the Georgia Historical Society and Governor Nathan Deal as a Georgia Trustee in February of 2013, along with Herman Russell, joining other notable Georgians Ted Turner, Hank Aaron, Sam Nunn, Vince Dooley, Tom Cousins, Andrew Young, Arthur Blank, Billy Payne, Bernie Marcus, and Marguerite Neel Williams.

Best known as the founder of Chick-fil-A, Cathy came up during the Great Depression with a deep spirituality and a determined work ethic. Cathy built Chick-fil-A into one of the largest privately held restaurant chains based on the philosophy “people above prophets,” he also gave back to his community and to communities around the world through his many philanthropic endeavors, most of which focused on disadvantaged children.

"Truett Cathy's life embodied the noble principle upon which Georgia was founded, 'not for self but for others,' and we are deeply saddened to hear of his passing," said Dr. W. Todd Groce, GHS President and CEO. "His leadership, generosity, and selflessness will be deeply missed."

In conjunction with the Governor’s Office, the Georgia Historical Society reconstituted the Georgia Trustees as a way of recognizing Georgians whose accomplishments and community service reflect the highest ideals of the founding body of Trustees. The original Georgia Trustees, a governing body chartered and appointed by His Majesty King George II of England founded the Georgia colony upon the principle of Non Sibi, Sed Aliis, “Not for Self but for Others.”  For more information on S. Truett Cathy click here.

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