Willie Gary was a prominent American lawyer, businessman, and philanthropist who had a significant impact on the legal profession and beyond.
Gary has established himself as a formidable lawyer, taking on high-profile cases and achieving significant success.
File
- Full name: Willie Edward Gary
- Nickname: “Giant Killer”
- Date of birth: July 12, 1947
- Age: 77 years old
- male
- Place of birth: Eastman, Georgia, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Lawyer, Businessman, Philanthropist
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Turner and Mary Gary
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Gloria Gary
- Children: Tahj Gary, TaJiah Gary, Kenneth Gary, Sekou Gary, Kobe Gary, Ali Gary
- Relationship status: Married
- Net worth: 100 million USD
Early life and education
Willie Gary, now 77, was born on July 12, 1947 in Eastman, Georgia, to sharecropper parents Turner and Mary Gary.
He grew up in immigrant farming communities in Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas, experiencing firsthand the challenges faced by African-American families in the rural South.
Gary’s parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and thirst for learning, which led him to attend Shaw University on a football scholarship.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1971 and then attended North Carolina Central University School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1974.
Personal life
Gary is married to Gloria Gary and they have six children together: Tahj, TaJiah, Kenneth, Sekou, Kobe and Ali.
Family has been a constant source of support throughout his career and he often speaks about the importance of family and community in his life.
Career
Gary opened the first black law firm in Martin County at age 27, launching his remarkable legal career.
He has participated in many high-profile cases, including a $500 million judgment against the Loewen Corporation in 1995 and a $240 million judgment against Disney in 2000.
In 2019, he won a $23 billion verdict against RJ Reynolds, although the verdict was later overturned on appeal. Gary’s legal prowess and dedication to justice earned him the nickname “The Giant Killer.”
Prize
- 2023 Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
- Recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award
- Member of the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association and the NAACP
Net value
Gary’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, accumulated through a successful law career and various business ventures.
Social Media
- Instagram: @williegary
- Twitter: @williegary
