Joseph Carter Leary age 75, a resident of 326 E. 12th Street Washington, NC died Monday, February 18, 2019 at his home.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, March 1, 2019 at Alligood Church of God officiated by Pastor Phillip Jethro. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 PM until the service hour at the church.
Carter was born in Beaufort County on February 22, 1943 the son of the late Joseph Simmons Leary and Daisy Asby Leary. He first served his country in the United States Air Force and shortly after entered the United States Army where he proudly graduated from Airborne School and was honorably discharged at the rank of SP4. He was proud of his military experience and always it was a pleasure to sit with him and listen to his many military stories. After his military career he went into the electrical business with his father Joseph and took over the business when his dad retired. He was a certified diver and had many great diving experiences both locally and nationally, among them were being the first to find and explore the Civil War Gunboat (USA Pickett) in the Tar River by the Washington Bridge and being a member of the dive team that explored the 1641 Spanish Galleon (Neustra Senora De La Concepcion) in the Dominican Republic in the 1970’s. Carter loved his southern heritage and with his great knowledge of the Civil War he often participated in Civil War reenactments. He was a federal firearms dealer and enjoyed working on guns. Carter was a person that anyone would enjoy sitting down with and just listening as his knowledge of many things in life was second to none. He will be greatly missed by his family, his dog and best friend (Buddy) and everyone who had the fortunate opportunity to know him.
He is survived by a son: Jason Leary and wife Natalie of Washington, NC; a daughter: Misty Renee Leary of Washington, NC; two sisters: Fonda Gautier and husband Robert of Washington, NC; Dee Dee Leggett of Washington, NC: two:grandchildren: Hunter Leary and Savannah Rose Buck two nephews: Bobby Gautier and Gary Gautier and two nieces: Micah Leggett and Cheyenne Leggett. Carter was preceded in death by his brother: PFC Gary Hoyt Leary, US Army who was killed in action in Vietnam.
You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.josephpaulfdl.com.
Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Director Licensee of Washington is serving the Leary family.

View Celebration of Life Video

Memorial Service

Friday, March 1, 2019
2:00 PM

Alligood Church of God - Directions

1891 Mill Hole Road

Washington, NC 27889

Visiting Hours

Alligood Church of God - Directions
1891 Mill Hole Road, Washington, NC 27889

Friday, March 1, 2019
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Subscribe to this Obituary

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory

February 22, 2019

sue Thompson Cooper says:

Carter was a good friend during our high school years in Washington, and I was very saddened to hear of his passing....my condolences to his family...Blessings, Sue Anna Thompson Cooper
February 22, 2019

Jason Leary says:

Happy birthday, pop. We will make you proud. I love you, dad. Rest easy and pain free. - Jase
February 22, 2019

Katie Mosher says:

You were my friend, an honorary Grandpa to my girls and we always knew you were keeping an eye out for us on 12th street. I will miss your phone calls, your dry sense of humor and your shenanigans. Fly high my friend. I'm a better person for having known you.
February 22, 2019

Carlos Smith says:

R.I.P. CUZ.You are now free of your pain and with loved ones in HEAVEN. Daily Washington N.C.
February 22, 2019

Wane Melton says:

Hope you had a soft landing and the truck met you on the drop zone. Airborne my friend. RIP.
February 22, 2019

Sheila Crisp says:

Fonda I was saddened to hear of Carter's passing. My prayers are for you and your family to have strength during this difficult time.
February 22, 2019

Carol and Joe David Mills says:

Fonda and Robbie I am so sorry to hear of Carter's passing. We had some good times on E. 13th Street, a long time ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 22, 2019

Mike and Carolyn Asby says:

We are shocked and sadden to hear the news about Carter's death. We kept in touch with each other via phone and email. We grew up together, went to the same schools, had some of the same friends. He will be terribly missed. RIP old friend.
February 22, 2019

Ann Schreiber says:

Rest in Peace Ole friend. I will always remember the good times we had together and our friendship. Ann Wilson Schreiber
February 22, 2019

Ed Hamrick says:

I have a lot of fond memories with times spent with Carter, on land and sea. He was indeed "different", and that made him special. I will miss him. Condolences to the family.
February 22, 2019

Patricia Hall says:

So sorry to hear news of Carter's passing, he was a dear friend to me and my family . I have been gone from Washington for a few years, but he will be missed by all of his friends and my condolences to his family, RIP my friend.
February 22, 2019

Pat McKeithan says:

I can't believe my Special Friend has gone away. Oh, the times we had both good and bad, we were there for each other. Over the years miles separated and I am so sorry I didn't stop and spend time with you. Carter will always be in my Heart. What I wouldn't give to all of First Shift together and swap those old stories just one more time.
February 22, 2019

Jean Williams-Mercer says:

Happy heavenly birthday, what a celebration you must be having with those who have gone ahead.
Celebrate with the angels.
February 23, 2019

Deana Foster says:

So sorry for your loss Jason and family. You all are in our prayers. Love Deana Sullivan Foster Wanda Alligood and Joe Sullivan
February 23, 2019

Sandy Hedgepeth says:

Jason we are sorry for the loss of your dad.You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sandy and Jimmy
February 23, 2019

JoJo Singleton says:

Carter used to joke and say he was a legend in his own mind. I will miss the just checking in calls, the friendly flirty candor, the stories shared and the southern gentleman flair. I'll miss you my friend. Prayers for your family (Fonda, DeeDee, Jason and Misti) as they adjust to life without you. That includes your pal Buddy.
February 25, 2019

Brenda Woolard says:

Carter is an old friend and I have such good and fun memories of him. Praying for God to give you peace and comfort.
February 28, 2019

Margie Cooke-Tankard says:

Carter Leary was a wonderful person, a little over 40 yrs I've known him and he was quiet amazing, Carter could always bring a smile to those who knew him, he always had that sparkle in his eyes and that smile along with his laughter that definitely made me smile. Love you Carter Leary, wish I had told you more often.
February 28, 2019

Chad Bennett says:

Your footprints may no longer show, but the path you left for others will forever be a guiding mark.

It was an honor, a privilege and a joy to know you in this life. It will be a sweet homecoming in the next. Until that time...AIRBORNE!
February 21, 2019

Larry & Alta Jones says:

R.I.P. Carter...
February 20, 2019

Alan Davis says:

My Condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Leary!
February 20, 2019

Donald (Dondi) Dixon says:

I am sorry to read of Carter's passing, he will be missed by many. I've known Carter (and Dee Dee) for at least 45 years, it was always a pleasure to talk to him and listen to his stories. Washington won't be the same without him. My thoughts and prayers are for the family now as you deal with your loss.
February 21, 2019

Nickie Saleeby Pittman says:

Fonda and family, prayers and love to you. A lifetime of fond memories with Carter and the Leary family. So sorry for your loss. Nickie Saleeby Pittman and family
February 21, 2019

Mike and Tammy Leggett says:

I am so sorry to learn of Carter's death and would like to send my condolences to the family.
February 21, 2019

Jean Williams-Mercer says:

Farewell my friend. May you rest in heavenly peace.
February 21, 2019

Mary Jo Latham says:

I am so shocked to read his obituary on Facebook. We have a mutual friend that lives in Virginia; therefore we keep up with one another. This I did not know. I am so sorry. He was a longtime friend. Will keep hi family in my prayers.
February 21, 2019

David and Ann Ross Ross says:

Fonda sorry to hear of Carter's passing , my condolences to you and the family
February 21, 2019

Allen Alligood says:

Sorry to hear about Carter he was a good old boy
February 21, 2019

Debra Downs says:

I will always cherish your memory. I love you! You will be in my heart always!
February 20, 2019

Fenner A Wallace says:

Always loved you brother, A Good Man, Go Easy.
February 21, 2019

Dee Lewis says:

My condolences to the family.Carter was a one of a kind man. Loyal and kind with a quick smile and twinkle in his eyes. He always talked with love and fondness for his family and friends. I know that he will be missed by many. Heavenly peace and may fond memories always fill your hearts.
February 21, 2019

Dale and Retha Harris says:

My condolences to the family.
February 21, 2019

Susan Credle says:

Sincere condolences to Carter's family...he was one of a kind & always had stories to tell...even though I haven't seen him for some time, I still remember how he could make you laugh...R.I.P. my friend.
February 21, 2019

Gus Youmans says:

Miss you buddy....Airborne
February 21, 2019

SKYBO LANGLEY says:

RIP MY FRIEND, PRAYERS FOR ALL THE FAMILY.
February 21, 2019

Delores (Staley) Spraker says:

Have so many childhood memories of our 13th Street neighborhood and all members the Leary family. Played many a days in front of around and near the Leary home. Fond memories of Carter at RadioView Grill as well!!! My thoughts and prayers for Fonda and Carters family.
A childhood neighbor.
February 22, 2019

Bert Hodges Jr. says:
February 22, 2019

Patricia Braddy Jones says:

Prayers are with your family.