Gary “Big Daddy” Farris’s enormous property in Alpharetta, Georgia was supposed to be a haven—a tranquil oasis set on expansive grounds. However, a terrifying secret and an unexpected revelation would soon shatter the idyllic scenario. Gary was a towering figure on all fronts—when he vanished in 2018, a sinister investigation was launched, and disturbing family drama involving jealousy, greed and murder was uncovered. The investigation uncovered a complex network of treachery within the Farris family as it progressed. In this article, we take a look at Gary Farris’s life and legacy, discussing his work, family and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
WHO WAS GARY FARRIS?
Gary Wayne Farris was born on June 27, 1960, in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 300 lbs, he was a man whose physical stature mirrored his strong personality.Gary came from a loving, middle-class family where he was the eldest of four children; his parents taught him the importance of working hard and being loyal to his family. Because of his exceptional intelligence and work ethic, he was able to attend the University of Alabama and follow his ambition of becoming a lawyer.
Gary started his career as an attorney at the prominent Birmingham, Alabama firm Burr & Forman after obtaining his Juris Doctorate. He swiftly gained the respect of his peers in the legal profession, especially those practicing business and real estate law, thanks to his perseverance and diligence. After a successful career, Gary rose through the ranks to managing partner in the Atlanta office of Burr & Forman by the mid-1990s. There, he oversaw deals worth millions of dollars and provided advice to prominent clients.
When Gary wasn’t working, he was fully committed to his family. He put in long hours so that Melody and their four kids—Chris, Scott, Emily, and Amanda—could eat. Since he was so kind, many of his relatives thought of him as their personal “Santa Claus.” Gary was always there for his family, whether they needed a loan or a lavish present. But nobody saw how his generosity would plant the seeds of discord and, in the end, tragedy.
THE FARRIS FAMILY AND THEIR ESTATE
In 2010, Gary and his wife Melody purchased a 10-acre property near Alpharetta, Georgia. The estate, complete with a 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom home, a barn, and an apartment above it, was purchased as a dream home for the family. After Gary and Melody’s marriage went through a rough patch—Gary decided to buy the estate so they could finally have a place to raise their children and grandchildren in peace and quiet.
The Farris family appeared to have a strong connection—despite the fact that their marriage had its moments of strain. Gary was a doting father who coached his kids’ sports teams and made sure they were there for all of life’s milestones. But there were underlying tensions in this seemingly perfect family photo. Family strife ensued as a result of Gary’s prosperous career in business and real estate law. Disagreements with son-in-laws, fiancés, and limited resources frequently led to arguments. However, the fact that these tensions would eventually lead to murder was completely unexpected.
GARY FARRIS’ CAREER AND WEALTH
Gary Farris was a prominent lawyer who practiced real estate and business law. He was known to put in countless hours to get his clients the best deals possible. By the mid-1990s, he had built a strong reputation in the legal world, thanks to his expertise in commercial real estate and business law. He was a highly sought-after attorney.
After being asked to launch and oversee a new “Burr & Forman office” in Atlanta, Georgia—Gary’s career took a dramatic turn. This was the first step on the path to the highest levels of the legal profession for him. At the time of his passing, Gary had achieved even greater financial success through his distinguished position at Burr & Forman, where he had been serving as a managing partner and chair of the lending practice.
Beyond his career as a lawyer, Gary amassed considerable wealth. He had a number of luxury cars, including a Mercedes, and had invested in a number of properties, including his expansive 10-acre estate. But Gary was renownedly generous, and he frequently used his fortune to support his family, even though he was extremely wealthy. Although it was done with good intentions, this generosity caused animosity and animosity within the family when some members felt entitled to a larger share of Gary’s wealth.
GARY FARRIS’ NET WORTH AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH
When Gary Farris passed away in 2018, his estimated net worth was around $10 million. This figure takes into account his assets, including his estate, life insurance policy, and various investments. Gary’s property alone, valued at $2 million, was a testament to his financial success. His Mercedes and other assets further contributed to his wealth, but it was his position at Burr & Forman that had truly secured his fortune.
Gary’s financial success, however, was not without its complications. He had a strained relationship with some family members over money. His children, while appreciative of his support, were not always on the best terms with their father. Gary had reportedly threatened to cut off his sons from time to time and had even limited his wife’s spending in an effort to control their finances.
Despite these tensions, Gary’s death left a void in the family. His wealth, including the $2 million life insurance policy, was left to his wife, Melody. However, the tragic events that followed revealed that the family’s inheritance would not come without consequences.
THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF GARY FARRIS
The mystery surrounding Gary Farris’ death began on July 4, 2018, when he disappeared without a trace. His children, concerned for his well-being, searched the property. Chris, one of Gary’s sons, remembered that his father had mentioned lighting a burn pile a few days earlier. It was there, among the charred remains, that Chris made a chilling discovery—a skull.
The investigation that followed revealed that Gary had been shot at least twice before being disposed of in the fire. The autopsy confirmed that Gary’s death was not the result of a medical emergency but rather a deliberate and cold-blooded murder.
As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a family deeply divided by jealousy, greed, and unresolved issues over money. The primary suspects were those closest to Gary—the people who stood to inherit his wealth. But who had the motive to kill Gary Farris?
WHO KILLED GARY FARRIS?
The investigation ultimately led authorities to Gary’s wife, Melody. As the primary beneficiary of his estate, she had the most to gain from his death. But what had driven her to murder the man she had been married to for 38 years? The answer lay in the family’s internal strife and the deep-seated resentment that had built up over the years.
Melody, along with other family members, had been involved in a complicated and bitter dispute over money. Gary’s generosity had been met with manipulation, and it was clear that some relatives were willing to go to extreme lengths to get what they felt they deserved. The case culminated in one of the most bizarre courtroom scenes, where the family members’ dirty laundry was aired for all to see.
In November 2024, after a three-day deliberation, a jury convicted Gary’s wife, Melody Farris, of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, and making a false statement. She was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
GARY FARRIS’ LEGACY AND NET WORTH TODAY
In the aftermath of Gary Farris’ death, his estate was divided among his children and wife. The legal battle over his assets, including his $10 million fortune, revealed just how much money had been at the heart of the tragedy. The legacy of Gary Farris lives on, not just in the wealth he accumulated, but in the painful reminder of how greed can destroy even the most tightly-knit families.
Gary’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of wealth, entitlement, and unresolved family conflicts. It’s a reminder that no amount of money is worth the price of a life, and that family bonds, when tested by greed, can unravel in the most shocking of ways.
The case was featured in the CBS show “48 Hours” in an episode titled “The Farris Wheel,” which aired on April 26, 2025.
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