Mr. Oliver Wright Leary

Oliver Wright Leary of Durham, North Carolina transitioned into eternal rest at the age of 75 years old on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Carver Living and Rehabilitation Center. Born on January 19, 1947, to Richard and Mamie Leary in Pitt County, North Carolina, Oliver and his twelve siblings were educated in Pitt County Schools, where the pursuit of lifelong learning was encouraged and expected. Oliver started his higher education at North Carolina College (now University) and – after serving two years in the U.S. Army – he resumed his studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. From there, Oliver set his sights on another goal: earning a Juris Doctorate from NCCU’s School of Law. Throughout his career, Oliver held positions with companies such as the Norfolk Western Railroad and Muncie Housing Authority, before actualizing his own entrepreneurial endeavors, including a consulting business and real estate brokerage, Learco Realty, Inc. Blessings continued to shine on Oliver while pursuing his studies at NCCU when he met Donna Perry and the two eventually married. After living in Greenville, North Carolina and Muncie, Indiana, the pair settled back in Durham where they raised their two daughters, Charmaine and Carmen. Among Oliver’s favorite topics was the incessant, humble bragging he did about both children. He was quick to provide details on all of their latest activities and accomplishments like Carmen’s dental practice or Charmaine’s most-recent travels. A proud father and grandfather, he beamed with admiration when speaking of his girls and granddaughters, showing photos to anyone that would look. As an active follower and participant in politics, Oliver ran for local and state office and worked on several political campaigns. He was active in (and fought with!) local political organization, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. He was a regular ‘commentator’ on national and world events from his home office as well. A passionate debater with strong opinions, Oliver loved to engage in conversations on a wide range of topics. Oliver also found time for several hobbies, including traveling, photography, piloting, chess and regular jaunts to Atlantic City and Las Vegas. And, until his recent illness, he could be spotted taking his regular walk around the neighborhood, usually covering two miles or more daily. Oliver is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Wilbre, Zebedee and Elmer; sisters Frederick, Vivian, Barbara, Sandra and Laura Marie. He is survived by his wife Donna, two daughters, Charmaine Leary of Bowie, Maryland, and Carmen Leary Holloway (Victor) of Charlotte, North Carolina; two granddaughters Camille and Kyndall Holloway of Charlotte, North Carolina; two sisters, Ruth Asbury of Silver Spring, Maryland, Shirley L. High (Moses) of Raleigh, North Carolina; two brothers, Linwood Leary (Josephine) of Lake Gaston, Virginia and Ray Leary of Greenville, North Carolina and a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Please note that due to recent COVID-19 outbreaks and with safety in mind, seating at the funeral home will be limited. The family invites you to join virtually with a live stream of the service. To view the Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Oliver Wright Leary through Zoom Live Stream: Please click the link below to join the webinar, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88574984754?pwd=rPNRFNLRL0nH-E-hcQklHs2mHuQ2hR.1 Webinar ID: 885 7498 4754 Passcode: 159037 If you’d like to attend in person, please contact the family to confirm seating arrangements. Masks will be required. Public viewing has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N. Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701. A Private Family Service to celebrate the life of Oliver will be held at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701, on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 12:00 noon, with private family viewing from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Mr. Oliver Wright Leary will be laid to rest in Beechwood Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Leary Family at 12 Ballard Court, Durham, NC 27712.

Mr. Oliver Wright Leary

January 19, 1947 - May 14, 2022