Honorable William L. "Bill" Gary, Sr.

The Honorable William L. “Bill” Gary, Sr., age 85, entered into rest on July 19, 2026, at his home in Tallahassee. Bill was born in Tampa and grew up in Miami. He had lived in Tallahassee since 1961. Bill put himself through college, working several jobs including general maintenance and front desk clerk at Lake Ella Cottages. He earned his Associate in Arts from Tallahassee Community College before transferring to Florida State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare. Bill interned at the Federal Correctional Institution of Tallahassee, where he moderated the first group therapy sessions at the institution. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from FSU College of Law in December of 1971. Upon graduation, Bill began his practice with the Pennington Law Firm, later becoming a partner in the firm. He practiced law until 1985 when he was elected to his first term as judge in the Florida Second Judicial Circuit. During his tenure as circuit judge, he heard cases in every county in the 2nd Circuit and served two terms as Chief Judge. Bill retired in December of 2008 after serving four terms as circuit judge. His colleagues said that Judge Gary was well known for his memory of case law and for his willingness to take on heavy dockets and run them smoothly. Upon retiring, Bill continued with the Second Judicial Circuit, working as a senior judge for 17 years. In 2019, he was inducted into the Tallahassee State College Alumni Hall of Fame. In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed bird watching, watching classic western movies, and spending time in the mountains in North Carolina. He cherished his workplace friendships and enjoyed sharing beloved stories. He kept up with former high school and college classmates and always enjoyed attending his Miami High School class reunion. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas William Gary, and Josephine and Thomas Whelan; his brother, Thomas Gary, Jr., and sister, Ann Clemons; and his stepson, Robin Manuel. Survivors include his loving wife, June Gary; his children, Kim Gary Miller and husband Bill of Tallahassee; Bill Gary, Jr., and wife Randa of Little Dixie, KY; Rick Gary of Tallahassee; his stepchildren, Chris Manuel and wife Stacy; Amice Fletcher; his grandchildren, Harrison Miller and his wife Lauren; Maggie Miller; Katie Miller; Isaac Gary and his wife Sydney; Isabelle Gary; and Madison Gary; his step-grandchildren Christian Manuel and Cameron Manuel; and five great-grandchildren. In memory of Bill, please consider making a contribution to the Leon County Humane Society or Guardian ad Litem Second Circuit.

Honorable William L. "Bill" Gary, Sr.

July 19, 2026 - July 19, 2026