The legal fights of the tough attorney Willie E. Gary are the subject of “The Burial,” a riveting 2023 American judicial drama film. The film, which was written and directed by Maggie Betts and Doug Wright, is based on true events, particularly the legal dispute between the Loewen Funeral Company and Willie E. Gary and his client Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe. This judicial drama, which was covered by Jonathan Harr in a 1999 New Yorker article, is a monument to the unwavering spirit of Jamie Foxx’s character Gary, and his quest for justice.
“The Burial” had its world premiere on September 11, 2023, at the Toronto International Film Festival. It then had a limited release on October 6, 2023, then on October 13, 2023, it was made available for streaming on Prime Video. The plot of the movie centers on the unusual attorney Gary, who is helping O’Keefe in a 1995 lawsuit against the Loewen Group, a big funeral home corporation, over a disagreement over a contract.
Who is The Burial’s Willie E. Gary?
Born in Eastman, Georgia, on July 12, 1947, Willie E. Gary became well-known in the legal community. On a football scholarship, he started his adventure at Shaw University, where he eventually graduated in 1971. He then graduated with a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law, which launched an incredible legal career.
Notably, Gary’s nickname, “The Giant Killer,” reflects his ability to take on powerful corporations for his clients. Among his accomplishments are settlements and jury awards that have exceeded $30 billion in the history of the United States. His accomplishments were acknowledged by Forbes and Ebony magazine, which ranked him among the “Top 50 attorneys in the U.S.” and the “100 Most Influential Black Americans,” respectively.
Gary’s spouse Gloria Gary and their four kids, Ali, Kobe, Sekou, and Kenneth, define his personal life. Gary continues to be actively involved in a number of legal associations, including the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, and NAACP, despite the difficulties of practicing law. One of his most significant court wins was a $240 million judgment against Disney for allegedly stealing intellectual property connected to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Was Willie E. Gary the Victor in the 1996 Case?
In the 1996 legal battle pitting Canadian businessman Raymond Loewen against Mississippi funeral home operator Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe, Willie E. Gary won a historic decision. The lawsuit resulted from Loewen’s violation of an O’Keefe contract. Gary used his legal expertise to win a significant case where the jury gave O’Keefe $500 million in punitive damages.
In addition to bringing justice to his client, Gary’s astute legal maneuvers caused Raymond Loewen to resign, even though the case was ultimately resolved for $175 million. The victory was a watershed in the funeral industry, causing the Loewen funeral home to be reorganized following bankruptcy and then sold to Service Corporation International, a rival.
Willie E. Gary’s Personal Life
Family makes a big difference in Willie E. Gary’s life outside of the courtroom. Turner and Mary Gary were his parents. He wed Gloria Gary, his childhood sweetheart, and they have been loyal friends for more than 50 years. They have four kids together: Ali, Kobe, Sekou, and Kenneth.
Gary’s charitable activities show that his love for family goes beyond his personal kin. He and Gloria established The Gary Foundation in 1994 with the goal of assisting young people in pursuing higher education by giving them resources, advice, and scholarships. Gary’s commitment to improving educational opportunities is seen in his generosity toward historically black colleges and universities.
Where is Willie E. Gary Now?
As shown in “The Burial” and verified by firsthand recollections, Willie E. Gary led a colorful life. Famed for his three-thousand-dollar outfits, “Wings of Justice,” a Gulfstream II executive aircraft, and eventually a Boeing 737, Gary’s extravagance also included a $10 million residence and a diamond-encrusted Rolex watch. He had Bentleys and Rolls-Royces in his fleet.
According to the most recent data available, Willie E. Gary is still a significant player in the legal community. Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson, Gary & Gillespie, P.L.L.C. is a dynamic national partnership with 21 attorneys, a paralegal team, and more than 50 professional staff employees. Gary’s legacy lives on at the firm, which is situated on the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Florida’s historic downtown.
Gary continues to be involved in a number of community organizations in addition to his legal profession, such as United Way of Martin County, National Urban League, NAACP, and Civitan International. In addition, he contributes to educational endeavors by serving on the boards of trustees at multiple colleges and foundations. Gary’s dedication to charitable work and motivational speaking tours highlights his many facets as a businessman, philanthropist, humanitarian, and churchgoer.
What is Attorney Willie Gary’s Net Worth?
The successful American lawyer, businessman, and motivational speaker Willie E. Gary is worth $200 million. Notable for being the pioneer of the Black legal profession in Martin County, Florida, Gary has won more than 150 cases that have resulted in settlements totaling millions of dollars. Listed as one of the wealthiest attorneys in the world, he was included in the 2002 “100 Most Influential Black Americans” list by “Ebony” magazine and the “Top 50 attorneys in the U.S.” list by “Forbes” magazine.
At The Law Firm of Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson, Gary & Gillespie, P.L.L.C., Gary is a senior partner and manages more than 100 professional staff members in addition to 37 attorneys and paralegals. The Million Dollar Verdict Club, the NAACP, the American Association for Justice, the National Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America are among his associations. Interestingly, he has appeared on a number of talk shows and news programs, such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
According to multiple sources, Gary’s current net worth is estimated to be $215 million, demonstrating his ongoing success. Contingency fees from winning cases for his clients account for a sizable amount of his wealth. Even at 75 years old, Gary is still involved in the legal profession, practicing and winning cases for his clients.
In summary, Willie E. Gary’s rise from modest beginnings to prominence in the legal field demonstrates not only his legal skill but also his commitment to community service, family, and education. His influence goes well beyond the courtroom; he inspired future generations and left a lasting impression on the judicial system.
Is The Burial (2023) Movie Based on a True Story?
