John D. Leary, 81, died at Maury Regional Hospital oncology department on August 5, 2009 of acute myeloid leukemia. By his wishes, his body was donated to Vanderbilt Medical Center for study. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Leary; a daughter, Judi Steele of West Virginia; a brother, Bill Leary, of West Virginia; a niece and nephew of West Virginia; five step children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Travis and Ernie McKissack.