Mr. Edward Brown Leary was born April 13, 1923, in Byronville, Georgia, and was the product of the marriage union of Mr. Anthony Leary and Mrs. Lela Oliver-Leary.  He was the youngest of 9 children and he grew up working in the local sugar plantations earning money and becoming very industrious and relatively popular.  He enlisted in the United States Army on December 20, 1943, and had over 2 years of decorated service, fighting in World War II in battles and offensives led by General George S. Patton.  He was awarded the European-African/Middle Eastern Service Medal, The Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.  He was Honorably Discharged on February 22, 1946. Upon return from the military, He relocated to Akron, Ohio, and became an autoworker at both Chrysler and BF Goodrich until the early 1970s.  Having already become financially stable and a homeowner, he transitioned his career to entrepreneurial endeavors and full-time gambling.  He was affectionately known among a large array of family and friends all over town as the “Black Stallion” and to know him was to like him.  Everyone who knew the Black Stallion admired his Cadillacs, his sharp clothes, his nearly photographic memory and natural high-level of intelligence and charm.  During his retirement, he was also an avid gardener, and fisherman winning an award from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Bureau for catching the largest Blue Gill on record in Ohio.   He also loved certain good foods, and drinks such as pecans, chicken wings, steak, pork chops, and a good cocktail or beer.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 35 years, Willie Jo Leary.  They purchased a home in Akron’s west side and helped raise many children including nieces, nephews, friends of the family, and grandchildren.  Everyone enjoyed their gracious hospitality and the love that was evident in their home.  He had three children that were precious to him: Carrie B. Robinson, Voncile Powell, and Edward C. Hopson (Karenne W. Hopson).   His daughter Carrie preceded him in death due to an unfortunate illness.  Also, he was preceded in death by all his siblings,  John Henry Leary, Fred Lee Leary, Ophelia Leary-Mainor, Mrs. Susie Mae Leary-Walker, Oscar Leary, Mattie Eve Leary.  He will be missed by Chibah M. Robinson (Carrie B. Robinson), Donavan, Vanessa, and Edward Hopson, Jr. (Edward C. Hopson), Richard and Ra’ Shae Greer (Voncile Powell) and a large array of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends in both Ohio and Georgia.  He lived a life that only a relatively few people are blessed to experience.  His life was long, full of joy, happy times, and people that loved him.  Most of the time, he only did exactly what he wanted to, and he still made friends and served others along the way. Like so many of you…we look forward to seeing the Black Stallion in Heaven.  Doing the same thing he did down here on Earth having a good time and making lots of friends who respect, admire, and love him.