It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share that the founder and visionary behind Sonny’s BBQ, Floyd “Sonny” Tillman – who led with kindness, warmth and a strong sense of community – passed away on December 7, at the age of 96.
Sonny founded Sonny’s BBQ in 1968 in Gainesville, FL, with the heartfelt vision of creating a neighborhood BBQ restaurant where community members could gather and bond over quality food. From his humble beginnings, and always keeping sight of the principles that guided the restaurant’s founding, Sonny built Sonny’s BBQ into one of the nation’s premier barbecue restaurants.
“Sonny Tillman embodied everything that is special and everlasting about Sonny’s BBQ,” said Jamie Yarmuth, Chief Executive Officer of Sonny’s Franchise Company. “His kindness and generosity were unparalleled, and while he may have made his name in the barbecue world, his philanthropic heart and an ability to create a true family dynamic at Sonny’s were undoubtedly his greatest accomplishments.”
Married to his beloved wife, Lucille, for over 70 years, Sonny was a devoted family man at heart – a loving husband, father to five, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. Sonny loved to fish nearly as much as his Florida Gators. From softball and volleyball to basketball and football, Sonny and Lucille were there rooting and supporting their favorite team.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Tillman family, as well as the entire Sonny’s family of employees and franchisees. Sonny will be deeply missed, but his legacy of bringing people together and his values of kindness and community will live on.
