Gary Seacrest

SEACREST, Gary Lee

1946 - 2025

Gary Lee Seacrest bravely fought cancer with courage until his passing on October 29, 2025. He was at home in Sandy Springs, Georgia, surrounded by his loving family: his wife, Connie; his son, Ryan; daughter, Meredith, her husband, Jimmy; and his granddaughter, Flora. He was 79.

Gary served as a leading attorney in the state of Georgia, practicing for over 30 years and running his own law firm. Gary also served as President of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, founded in 2009.

Gary was the only child of John and Virginia Robinson Seacrest, born on July 27, 1946, in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. Growing up there, he attended Greencastle-Antrim High School and graduated from Penn State University in 1968. Following graduation, Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army and on his way from Pennsylvania to Fort Benning, he stopped in Atlanta and reconnected with Connie Zullinger who he remembered from high school. They were married in 1970, and she soon joined him in Berlin, Germany where he was stationed with the U.S. Army. It was just the beginning of the ongoing travel they enjoyed throughout their marriage—often exploring new or favorite destinations with Ryan and Meredith. They didn't like to end one trip without another on the horizon and annually spent their February anniversaries in a warm destination.

After his service in the U.S. Army, Gary attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law for one year before transferring to the Emory University School of Law where he graduated with Distinction, signifying a high level of academic achievement, in 1975.

For the next three decades, he practiced civil litigation—a career that demanded long days and often work on weekends. Despite that, family dinners were a priority in the Seacrest household. Gary made every effort to show up for those dinners sometimes with Mexican food and a bag of tortilla chips. He also felt it was important to show up for Ryan's and Meredith's school and sports activities. To relax, he enjoyed jogging or walking along the Chattahoochee River, going out to his favorite restaurants—especially loving good Italian food and wine. He enjoyed Motown music and Penn State's Nittany Lions football games.

When son, Ryan, a television/radio host and producer, decided he wanted to start his own foundation in 2009, he asked his dad to help him create a non-profit organization. Gary helped start the Ryan Seacrest Foundation (RSF) which is a non-profit dedicated to inspiring pediatric patients through entertainment and education. RSF's primary initiative is to build broadcast media centers—Seacrest Studios—in hospitals for young patients to explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media. Starting the foundation from the ground up, Gary held a significant role in developing the concept, design and build out of Seacrest Studios in children's hospitals across the country. The 14th Seacrest Studio will be launched in a children's hospital in Miami in December. Gary served as President of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation until handing the baton to his daughter Meredith in 2024.

Gary was a member of Dunwoody United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta. Wherever he and Connie made their home, he would be involved in the community organization.

Gary was known to be a true gentleman, always on time and dressed for the part. He paid attention, not just in law but in life, too—"You learn when you listen," he liked to say—thus he also gave wise advice. His sense of humor was sharp, and he had a captivating smile. Most and best of all, he was devoted to his family. "I love this family," were his final words to them as he passed.

Gary is survived by Connie Zullinger Seacrest, his wife of 55 years; his son, Ryan John Seacrest; and daughter, Meredith Seacrest Leach, her husband, Jimmy Leach and their daughter, Flora, 6.

There will be a Celebration of Life for family and close friends. Those who wish to honor Gary's life may make a donation to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, www.ryanseacrestfoundation.org.