William M. Leary

Leary, William M., 71, passed away at his home in Watkinsville, Ga. on February 24, 2006. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and later received his doctorate from Princeton University. After teaching at Princeton, San Diego State University and the University of Victoria (Canada), he joined the faculty at the University of Georgia, where he worked for 32 years, retiring last year as the E. Merton Coulter Professor of History. Author of numerous articles and books on the history of aviation, he received the Central Intelligence Agency's Studies in Intelligence Award in 1995, held the Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History at the National Air & Space Museum (1996-97) and was awarded four Fulbright grants. A consummate traveller, mentor, and scholar, he lived and taught in numerous countries in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Predeceased by his brother Tom, he is survived by his wife, Margaret, four siblings: Paul, Kenneth, Kathleen and Cindy, four children: Patricia, Douglas, Maureen, and Peter, and granddaughter, Andrea.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at the UGA Chapel. Inquiries should be directed to 478-960-4509. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Athens Area Homeless Shelter, Inc., 620 Barber St., Athens, Ga. 30601.