Gary Gilley was born and raised in Azle, Texas, about 20 miles Northwest of Fort Worth. After completing service in the Navy, Gilley moved to Fort Worth in 1969 and became employed at one of the oldest surveying company in the state. He served on the city council beginning in 1986, right at the beginning of the divestment movement, and retired in 1991. He still resides in Fort Worth and works as a licensed independent land surveyor.