Willie E. Gary is a prominent American trial lawyer known for succeeding in high-profile cases against major corporations, earning him the nickname “The Giant Killer.”
Born on July 12, 1947, in Eastman, Georgia, Gary has built a reputation for winning some of the largest jury awards and settlements in U.S. history, including multi-million dollar verdicts against companies like Disney and R.J. Reynolds.
His story and legal battles have been highlighted in various media, including the 2023 film “The Burial,” where Jamie Foxx portrays him.
Profile
| Full Name | Willie Edward Gary |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1947 |
| Age | 77 years old |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Eastman, Georgia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters) |
| Parents | Turner and Mary Gary |
| Siblings | 10 |
| Spouse | Gloria Gary |
| Children | Kenneth Gary, Sekou Gary, Kobe Gary, and Ali Gary |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Religion | Christian |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
Early Life and Education
Now 77 years old, Willie Gary was born on July 12, 1947, in Eastman, Georgia, to sharecroppers Turner and Mary Gary.
He grew up in migrant farming communities across Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. Despite the hardships, Gary excelled academically and in sports, earning a football scholarship to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
He graduated with a degree in Business Administration and earned his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law. 1974, he was admitted to the Florida Bar, marking the beginning of his illustrious legal career.
Personal Life
Willie Gary has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Gloria Gary, for over 50 years. The couple has four children: Kenneth, Sekou, Kobe, and Ali.
Kenneth is the president and C.E.O. of The Gary Foundation and the family’s real estate firm, Gary Enterprises.
Sekou is a trial attorney at the family law firm, Kobe also works in the legal field, and Ali serves as vice president of The Gary Foundation. The family resides in Stuart, Florida, where they continue participating in community and philanthropic efforts.
Career
Gary’s legal career took off after he and his wife established their law firm in Florida. He gained national fame in 1995 after winning a $500 million jury verdict against the Loewen Group on behalf of funeral home operator Jeremiah O’Keefe.
This victory, among others, solidified his reputation as a formidable attorney. Gary has since won numerous high-stakes cases, including a $240 million verdict against Disney and a $50 million settlement for the family of baseball legend Roger Maris.
His firm, Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson, Gary & Gillespie, P.L.L.C., has grown to include multiple offices and a significant staff, continuing to tackle major legal battles.
Controversy
Willie E. Gary’s career has been marked by high-profile cases and significant settlements, which have occasionally brought controversy.
Notably, in 2019, a $23 billion verdict he won against R.J. Reynolds was overturned on appeal. Despite these challenges, Gary has maintained his reputation and continued to win significant legal battles, often highlighting corporate accountability and justice issues.
Awards
- 2019: Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Bar Association
- 2023: Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award
Net Worth
Willie E. Gary’s net worth is estimated at $100 million.
His wealth primarily stems from his legal victories and settlements, business ventures, and real estate investments.
