The Family Tree

The Wylys' fighting spirit and drive for success come naturally.

As reported in Texas Monthly, the Wylys trace their Scots-Irish roots to the rebellious borderland country depicted in the Mel Gibson movie "Braveheart." Through the generations, Wyly ancestors had always been fighters — first participating in the rebellion against King James, then the United Irish rebellion of 1798. They then served George Washington at Valley Forge, and later battled alongside Davy Crockett at the Alamo and Sam Houston at San Jacinto.

Charles and Sam were born in 1933 and 1934, respectively, less than two decades after their grandfather served in World War I.