12/09/2025
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Sonny Tillman, founder of Sonny’s BBQ. A man that touched the lives of hundreds of thousands through BBQ. Praying for Sonny’s family and our NBBQA family that are personally touch by the loss of their dear friend.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share that Floyd "Sonny" Tillman, the founder and visionary behind Sonny’s BBQ who led with kindness, decency, and strong sense of community, passed away on December 7, at the age 96.
When Sonny founded Sonny's BBQ in 1968 in Gainesville, FL, he had a singular and powerful vision: to create a place where folks could slow down, gather ‘round the table, and enjoy good BBQ with the people who matter the most. Throughout his life, Sonny never lost sight of the principles that guided the restaurant's founding, and it's how he built Sonny's BBQ into one of the nation’s most beloved barbecue restaurants.
Married to his beloved wife, Lucille, for over 70 years, Sonny was a devoted family man, a successful entrepreneur with a generous heart, who had the rare ability to create a true family atmosphere in his restaurants. His kindness extended beyond his own family to the thousands of employees who became part of the Sonny's family over the decades.
We are forever grateful for his vision, his values, and the legacy of bringing people together that he leaves behind.
We ask that you take a moment today to remember Sonny and his family, and to spread a little kindness to those around you in his honor.
