Gary Burrell

$1.90 B

Ranked #1006 in World

About Gary Burrell

Gary Leon Burrell, the visionary co-founder of Garmin, passed away at 81 due to Parkinson's disease complications on June 12, 2019. Born in 1937, Burrell's journey in tech commenced with degrees from Wichita State University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, shaping his future contributions. His career milestones include pivotal roles at Lowrance Electronics, King Radio Corporation, and notably, Allied Signal before pioneering Garmin alongside Min Kao in 1989. Garmin, initially catering to aviation and boating navigation, swiftly became integral for U.S. servicemen during the first Gulf War and later, for the broader U.S. market with nationwide GPS directions. Beyond his technological legacy, Burrell was a significant donor to the Indian Creek Community Church and a devoted family man who achieved billionaire status by 2016, leaving a lasting impact on the tech and philanthropic landscapes.

Born

August 24, 1937 in Stilwell, Kansas, U.S.

Died

June 12, 2019 (aged 81)

Source Of Wealth

Navigation Equipment

Industries

Manufacturing

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Spring Hill, KS

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Science, Wichita State University; Master of Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Gary Leon Burrell was born in 1937. He earned an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Wichita State University and later obtained a master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Gary Burrell: Family

Gary Burrell was married and had three children. He resided in Spring Hill, Kansas.

Gary Burrell: Career Highlights

Gary Burrell worked for Lowrance Electronics and King Radio Corporation before joining Allied Signal in the early 1980s. In 1989, he co-founded Garmin with Min Kao. Initially, Garmin focused on navigation devices for aviation and boating using GPS. Their humble beginnings included an office consisting of two folding chairs and a card table.

Despite the lack of a military contract, Garmin GPS devices were utilized by U.S. servicemen during the first Gulf War. Burrell and his team expanded their technology for the U.S. market, providing directions across all United States roads and highways.

Gary Burrell: Companies

Gary Burrell was associated with the following companies:

Lowrance Electronics
King Radio Corporation
Allied Signal
Garmin

Gary Burrell: Major Achievements

Gary Burrell co-founded Garmin, a leading provider of GPS navigation devices. Garmin's devices have been used in various applications, including aviation, boating, automotive, and outdoor activities.

Gary Burrell: Awards & Achievements

Gary Burrell's contributions to the field of GPS navigation were recognized through numerous awards and achievements, including:

Kansas Technology Entrepreneur of the Year (1998)
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2002)
National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2004)
Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame (2019)

Gary Burrell: Personal Life & Legacy

Gary Burrell was a significant donor to the Indian Creek Community Church in Olathe, Kansas. He achieved billionaire status as of 2016. Sadly, he passed away on June 12, 2019, at the age of 81 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

Gary Burrell: Trivia

Here are some interesting facts about Gary Burrell:

Garmin's original office was located in a converted grain elevator.

Burrell was an avid pilot and used Garmin's navigation devices in his own aircraft.
He was a strong advocate for STEM education and supported various initiatives to encourage students to pursue careers in science and technology.

Wealth History

Timeline

1937

Gary Leon Burrell was born.

N/A

Earned undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Wichita State University.

N/A

Obtained a master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

N/A

Worked for Lowrance Electronics and King Radio Corporation.

Early 1980s

Joined Allied Signal.

1989

Co-founded Garmin with Min Kao.

N/A

Garmin initially focused on navigation devices for aviation and boating using GPS.

N/A

Their original office consisted of two folding chairs and a card table.

N/A

Garmin GPS devices were used by U.S. servicemen during the first Gulf War, despite the absence of a military contract.

N/A

Expanded technology for the U.S. market, providing directions across all United States roads and highways.

N/A

Significant donor to the Indian Creek Community Church in Olathe, Kansas.

N/A

Married with three children.

N/A

Resided in Spring Hill, Kansas.

2016

Achieved billionaire status.

June 12, 2019

Passed away at the age of 81 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

Gary Burrell : FAQs

What is Gary Burrell's net worth?

As of 2015, Gary Burrell's net worth was $1.90 billion.

What are Gary Burrell's main sources of wealth?

Gary Burrell's main source of income comes from Navigation Equipment.

In which industry does Gary Burrell primarily operate?

Gary Burrell is primarily involved in the Manufacturing industry.

What is Gary Burrell educational background?

Gary Burrell holds a Bachelor of Arts / Science from Wichita State University and a Master of Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Is Gary Burrell dead?

Yes, Gary Burrell died on June 12, 2019 (aged 81).

How many children does Gary Burrell have?

Gary Burrell has 3 children.

Who was Gary Leon Burrell and when was he born?

Gary Leon Burrell was a co-founder of Garmin, a global leader in GPS technology, born in 1937.

How did Gary Leon Burrell contribute to GPS technology and what was his role at Garmin?

Gary Leon Burrell co-founded Garmin in 1989 with Min Kao, focusing on navigation devices for aviation and boating, and played a crucial role in expanding GPS technology for the U.S. market, including providing directions across all United States roads and highways.

What philanthropic efforts was Gary Leon Burrell known for?

Gary Leon Burrell was known for being a significant donor to the Indian Creek Community Church in Olathe, Kansas.