Stephen Phillips Leary

Stephen Phillips Leary, 70, passed away peacefully on the evening of April 15, 2017, after a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne Covington Leary, and his sister, Pamela Sanford Leary. Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Peter Leary and Agnes Sanford Leary. While still in his childhood, Steves family moved to Mocksville, NC, where he attended local schools. From there, he attended the preparatory Blue Ridge School for Boys before graduating from St. Andrews College where he completed his BA degree in English. Later, to fulfill a long-time goal, he completed his certification in Economic Development. Steves career included teaching school in South Carolina, serving as the Town Planner for Mocksville, the Town Manager in Spencer, and his distinguished career concluded as the Economic Developer in Anson County, all in North Carolina. Steves love of history involved him in many worthwhile projects. When in Davie county, his involvement in the restoration of the national historically registered Fulton Methodist Church brought him immense pleasure and satisfaction. Always involved in community life, his memberships included the First Presbyterian Church in Wadesboro, NC , the Anson County Partnership for Children, serving as Board Chair, a member of the Friends of the Pee Dee Wildlife Refuge, the Uptown Wadesboro, Inc. Board of Directors, serving for several years as the secretary, the Wadesboro Rotary Club, and the South Piedmont Community College Foundation Board. Those who knew Steve remember him as an easy-going, friendly person who enjoyed people, but a real southern gentleman, gifted with a generous spirit and deeply gracious manner. He considered his greatest possession his family and friends. A man of diverse skills and interest, his activities included gourmet cooking, gardening and studying the Civil and World Wars. All modes of transportation fascinated Steve, but especially the train. He never missed a chance to study and ride locomotives. He enjoyed frequent visits to museums and historical sites where his interest could be enriched. Obviously a prolific and diverse reader, he loved to hear a good yarn and could hold his own as a raconteur. He was quite the engaging conversationalist. He will be missed by all who knew him. A Stephen Phillips Leary Memorial Scholarship is being established with South Piedmont Community College Foundation. Donations can be made in his memory to the foundation at PO Box 5041, Monroe, NC 28111 or to the charity of your choice. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be 11:00am Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Leavitt Funeral Home. The family will greet friends following the service. Memorial Service Leavitt Funeral Home Saturday June 3rd, 2017 11:00am 2036 Morven Road Wadesboro, NC 28170 Special Instructions: Visitation will follow the memorial service.