Raymond Calvin Leary

Raymond Leary, 92 yeas of age, went home peacefully on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at his home in Chesapeake, Virginia following an illness. Raymond Leary was born April 18, 1924 to the late Major Leary and Georgianna Flowers Leary. He was the youngest of seven siblings. He was raised in Washington, North Carolina and later resided in Virginia. He was preceded in death by his wife Eunice Leary; all of his siblings: James Leary, Miles Leary, Hattie Leary, Martha Leary Northern, Mary Flowers and Titus Flowers; and his step daughter, Juanita Sawyer.

Raymond Leary was known as "Cooley" by friends, family, and loved ones. He dearly loved his family and would always try to speak an encouraging word to keep you grounded and focused. He often would tell you stories about his brothers and his own life experiences, and about how much he loved and cared for his mother. He was proud to share that he had been a Sunday School teacher at church in Washington, North Carolina and that it was his mother's prayers that kept him grounded. His father, Major Leary, died prior to his birth but he always credited his mother for her strength in raising him along with his six brothers and sisters. Cooley was always a well groomed, neat dressing man who had a zeal for life and cared about the well being of others.

In his early years, he attended Washington Colored School in Washington, North Carolina where he graduated 11th grade. In 1952, Raymond attended the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College and earned a two year diploma in Industrial Education. Raymond worked for American Window Cleaners located in Norfolk, Virginia where he served as a Supervisor. He also worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and retired after 20 years of service. Raymond served in the Armed Forces from 1943-1946 as a World War II veteran who received an Honorable discharge. His military awards include: Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, American Theater Companion Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Companion Medal with three bronze stars. Philippine Liberation Medal with two bronze stars. He was also recognized for Battles and Companion; served in New Guinea, South, Philippines, Liberation, Luzon.

Raymond was a member of the St. Paul Church of God in Christ and was certainly a joy to be around.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his son, Michael Leary who was very committed to helping his father along with Denise Leary and Marilyn Praileu (great niece), two grandsons Trevor Leary and Jordon Leary, three stepchildren; Eddie Mae Morris, Joe Sawyer, Juanita Sawyer (deceased), and their four children. He also leaves three nieces; Diane Northern, Nancy Northern and Lucy Rodman, six nephews; Anthony Ray Northern, Bobby Northern, Melvin Northern, Johnnie Northern, Gene Leary, and Stanley Flowers along with seven great nieces; Shannon, Tamara, Eneisha, Lakisha, LaZell, Charity, and Sarah, eight great nephews; Melvin Jr., Derrick, John, Adrian, Samuel, Randall, Bobby Jr., and Brian; a great, great niece, Tonya Norman; and other great nieces by marriage and a host of family and friends.

Raymond "Cooley" Leary was the longest living patriarch of our family and of his brothers and sisters.

Mr. Leary will lie in state Sunday, July 17 from 2 pm to 5 pm at Fitchett Funeral Home, Liberty Street.

Homegoing Service will be Monday, July 18 at 11 am at St. Paul Church of God in Christ - 1615 Isaac Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23523

Services of Comfort Provided By The Original Fitchett Funeral Home, Liberty Street.

 Service Information