Walter Umphrey was an American lawyer, businessman, and philanthropist.
Walter Umphrey Net Worth
Walter Umphrey is one of the most highly paid attorneys in the United States. His net worth is a whopping $1 billion. By the end of his very successful career, he had accumulated an undeniably huge fortune.
He is also one of the most popular and sought-after lawyers in America. In 1969, Umphrey co-founded Provost Umphrey Law Firm. Moreover, he was even included in the list of the “10 best lawmen in the country” in a number of magazines and papers.
He was also a well-known philanthropist, together with his wife Sheila Umphrey. The couple has donated to many universities, foundations, charities, and organizations. They successfully ran their businesses such as real estate developments, banks, car and motorcycle dealerships, greenhouses, and more.
Personal Life
Thomas Walter Umphrey was born May 13, 1936 in Port Arthur, Texas. His family had a modest life.
He went to Thomas Jefferson High School and later set off to Southern Methodist University (SMU) with a football scholarship. Football was one of the things he loved since he was a kid. He always considered himself a sportsman. He received his law degree from Baylor University.
As he embarked on his journey to become a lawyer, the people who knew him best said that he did not forget to always look back where he came from. Umphrey was a philanthropist and funded many civic and community organizations.
In 2005, he and his wife, Sheila, donated $5 million to Lamar University to build the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center (later renamed to Provost Umphrey Stadium). In 2011 they also donated $1million to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas.
On September 7, 2021, he passed away peacefully at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Shiela, and their children and grandchildren.
Professional Career
When he was in college and law school, Walter Umphrey worked as an insurance adjuster. This fueled his desire to not represent insurance companies when he became a lawyer and to always side with the underdogs.
In 1969, he founded Provost Umphrey with his friend David Provost. The firm became legendary in Texas and has a reputation for helping people recover compensation for injuries.
He was known to deal with asbestos cases. Umphrey was the lawyer in the lawsuit against Philip Morris. They were awarded $17.3 billion and got a $3.3 billion payout.
Walter Umphrey was recognized in 2010 by Texas Lawyer magazine as one of the 25 greatest Texas lawyers of the past quarter century.
Throughout his legal career, he always fought for the marginalized, the voiceless, and the powerless. He always vowed to champion justice. With this, his hometown considers him a local hero.
Walter Umphrey Marriage History
Walter Umphrey met Sheila McCarthy Umphrey at Crystal Beach, Texas. They said their vows to each other in 1960. Until Umphrey’s death in 2021, they were together for 63 years.
They have two children – Bart and Paige.
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