WORTH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — A Worth County man will spend the next three decades behind bars after hitting and killing a motorcycle rider while driving drunk.

According to the Office of the District Attorney Tifton Judicial Circuit, Gary Lee Curry, 47, has been sentenced to 30 years, with the first 20 in the Department of Corrections. This comes after Curry entered something called a “blind plea” to the charges of vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Curry entered his plea Aug. 20, on the last court day before his trial was scheduled to start Aug. 24. Per the terms of a blind plea, a defendant is entitled to enter a guilty plea to the charges on the indictment, but there is no negotiated plea, meaning the defense can ask for the sentence they feel is appropriate, and the state prosecutors can do likewise.

Sentencing for Curry was set for Sept. 23, and Chief Judge Bill Reinhardt heard from the surviving victim, as well as the family of the man killed, Roger Dale Tillery, 74. The judge also heard from Curry’s family before deciding on the sentence.

The DA’s office says back on Feb. 7, 2025, there was a crash near the intersection of Carter Road and Highway 82 in Sylvester. Several members of a motorcycle ministry were passing through Sylvester on Highway 82 when Curry, whose blood alcohol content was more than double the legal limit for driving, pulled out from Carter Road and hit the motorcyclists.

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Tillery and another 49-year-old man were hit and taken to the hospital. Tillery died from his injuries and the other victim’s leg was permanently injured.

Officials say during the investigation, they learned Curry had at least two previous DUIs in Worth County.

“This case is a tragic reminder that impaired driving affects far more than the person who makes the decision to get behind the wheel. One family has lost a loved one, another victim and his family must live with the lasting effects of serious injuries, and the defendant’s family must now face the consequences of his actions as well.

We must remember that cases like this are preventable. No one should ever drive after drinking when there are alternatives—designate a sober driver, call a friend or family member, arrange for a ride, or simply stay where you are. Our office will continue to hold impaired drivers accountable, especially when their decisions result in death or serious injury, but our greater hope is that people make responsible choices before tragedy occurs. One good decision can save a life and spare multiple families from consequences that can last a lifetime," said District Attorney Patrick Warren, who prosecuted the case for the state.

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