Otis Burt Shroyer Jr., professionally known as Sonny Shroyer, was born in the charming city of Valdosta, Georgia, situated on the border of Georgia and Florida. Growing up in this quaint setting, Shroyer was deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the deep South. He spent his formative years working in the local tobacco warehouses, operating tobacco buggies, and assisting his father in their family-owned fruit stand-ice cream parlor business.
Shroyer's exceptional skills on the high school football field earned him a coveted football scholarship to Florida State University. He later went on to co-star in the iconic film The Longest Yard (1974) alongside fellow FSU football player, the renowned Burt Reynolds. However, an unfortunate injury curtailed his promising football career, and Shroyer decided to pursue his education at the University of Georgia. He successfully completed his degree in business, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey.
