LeeErnest Gary

LeeErnest Gary was born on December 27, 1962, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Lillie B. Williams and the late Jerry P. Gary. Lee attended Hillhouse High School and was known for having a heart of gold. He had a deep love for God and often spent time discussing Scripture with family and friends. No matter where you saw Lee, conversations would eventually turn to one of his greatest passions—music. Lee loved creating and sharing his own music. He would often say he needed to get to the studio to put his lyrics down and would break into a rap right on the spot. His music was never just words—it was storytelling. Through his lyrics, Lee shared his life experiences, his struggles, his triumphs, and the impact of the people around him. He had a unique talent for telling his story in a way that resonated with others, and he did so without relying on profanity, making his message all the more powerful and meaningful. Lee cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with his friends. Although he sometimes wandered down his own path, he always knew where home was. He knew that when life became exhausting, his family would be there to recharge his spirit. Like the Energizer Bunny, Lee kept going and going, and when his battery ran low, he knew exactly where to find the love and support he needed to keep moving forward. Lee leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters, Leshanda Long Scott (LaQuan) and Le'onni Gary. He also leaves his beloved bonus children: Maria Pullen (Joe), Sheldon Edwards, Tenequa Dailey, Harry Dailey (Dawn), and Melvada Washington. He is survived by his brothers, Jerry P. Gary Jr. (Nickie) of Waterbury, Connecticut; Tywoine Gary (Desiree) of Princess Anne, Maryland; Jerry Gary III (Olivia); and Floyd Sylvester Ingram of New Haven, Connecticut. He also leaves behind his sisters, Pauline Gary Riles (Antonio), Elana Ingram (James), Andrea Gary (Tony), Athena Gary (Robert), Beverly Ingram, Selena Gary, Yalonda Gary, all of New Haven, Connecticut, and Markita Wright of Sanford, North Carolina. Lee was a proud grandfather to Shawn Barham Jr., Tanaiza Glass, Tyler Woods, and Qua'Lee Scott, and was also blessed with 14 bonus grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his memory. Lee was preceded in death by his sister, Mahogany Gary; his maternal grandparents, Willie Payne and Sarah Phillips; and his paternal grandparents, Rosalie and Jessie Oliver. Lee's legacy lives on through the stories he told, the music he created, the love he shared, and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

LeeErnest Gary

December 27, 1962 - July 15, 2026