Supporters of Chick-fil-A Crowd Stores

(Memphis) The same controversy that led many to say they were boycotting Chick-Fil-A, is the same controversy that made for an extremely busy day for the chicken chain in the Mid-South.

A few weeks ago, Chick-Fil-A President Dan Cathy was asked his opinion on same-sex marriage.

Cathy said he supported the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman.

Today, Chick-Fil-A supporters showed up at restaurants across the country to show their support for the company.

The drive-thru line was wrapped around the Southaven, MS Chick-Fil-A on Goodman Road.

Managers told us extra staff was called in due to the expected crowds.

Father of one, Jim Lane, admitted he did have to slightly change his schedule to make sure he showed his support, “I believe that those values I hold dear to my heart and  try to teach my family,  raise my daughter in that way  and that’s why we are here this morning.”

Customers were not only there to show their support for traditional marriage, but also for the company’s President’s right to share his views.

“He has a right to speak, to express his religious preference and position,” said Dwight Montgomery.

Those in favor of same-sex marriage are also holding a demonstration at Chick-Fil-A restaurants Friday, called National Same Sex Kiss Day.

Today, the vice president of corporate public relations for Chik-fil-A, Don Perry, was laid to rest after he died from a heart attack last week.

Cassandra Sheppard is Perry’s niece, “Today I’m saddened that my uncle is being laid to rest. He was the vice president of public relations for Chick-Fil-A. He was the first black corporate employee & administrator, and the one to bring the majority of the black administrators into the corporate offices of the company. The first black man to make seven figures in the company, he was there 29 years and died suddenly of a heart attack on Friday. Because he was the vice president of public relations, he was responsible for handling all media relations for the company, meaning he has had the stress of the gay marriage controversy. My family has had to see the blogs, hear the media, read the articles, saying he deserved to die b ecause the company did not support gay marriage, but supported the biblical basis for marriage. He didn’t make the statement but was responsible for the reprisals from it. Today is national Support Chick-Fil-A Day. Please support the company by buying a sandwich, drink or something in honor of my uncle. It just happens to be the day of his burial as well.”