Raymond Elgie Wise

Raymond Elgie Wise “Gunner”

85; Carbondale, IL

Raymond Elgie Wise "Gunner", 85, of Carbondale, IL, entered into rest on April 30, 2020 in Jeffersonville, IN.​  Raymond was born on April 25, 1935 in Carbondale, IL to Clarence E. and Annabelle​ (McCall) Wise. 
Raymond accepted CHRIST at an early age at BETHEL A.M.E.​ CHURCH in Carbondale. GUNNER'S favorite sports were baseball, basketball and​ softball. He attended ATTUCKS GRAD and HIGH SCHOOL in Carbondale, although​ his junior and senior years were spent at Champaign Senior High School where​ "GUNNER" graduated in 1953. After graduation, he attended TUSKEGEE​ INSTITUTE in Alabama.​
From 1954-1974, he served in the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS and retired​ as a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7). While in the Marines, 1958, he married Gladys Marie​ Griffin of Murphysboro, IL and they had two sons; Dwayne A. and Bryan D. and two​ daughters; Dana L. and Lori D.​
During "GUNNER'S" Marine Corps career, he served as a Drill Instructor for​ officers and enlisted personnel, security and two tours in Vietnam as an​ Infantryman. His highest award was a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V".​
Returning to civilian life in Carbondale in 1974, Raymond joined the Southern Illinois University Police Department where he was a detective until he retired.​ After being certified as a softball umpire for 35 years, "GUNNER" was inducted​ into the Illinois ASA Softball HALL OF FAME in 2005. Since 1988, Raymond held​ the title of Deputy Umpire-in-Chief for Southern Illinois ASA Softball until retiring​ in 2013.​
Raymond was a faithful​ member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church and active in the community. He was a​ member of the VFW Post 1832, Carterville, IL; Marine Corp League, Jeffersonville;​ DAV, Sellersburg IN; Montford Point Marine Association Chapter #22, Louisville​IN; American Legion Post 35; Marine Corps Association, Quantico, VA; NAACP​ Jeffersonville Chapter; Spirit of Attucks, Carbondale, and Southern Illinois Softball​ Association, Carbondale and received various awards for his work in the​ community.​
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, 3 months, and 24 days, Gladys Wise, parents; Clarence Wise and Annabelle (McCall Wise)​ Jackson, step-mother Geneva (Reliford) Wise and step-father Herbert Jackson,​ siblings; Willova Toney, Benita Wise, James Reliford, Warren Reliford and Gary​ Wise, Grandson Taylor Wise and Daughter-in-law, Beverly (Morgan) Wise.​
He leaves to cherish his loving memory his children; Dwayne (Bettye) Wise, Bryan Wise, Dana Wise and Lori (Christopher) Moore, grandchildren; Ja’Raena, Makayla, Toi, Bryan II, Brittany, Omari, Joran, Sydney, Bryanna, and Christopher, great-grandchildren; Ja’Raeyah, Ja’Riyah, Zion, JaVon, Josiah, Zaeden and Aubrey, great-great granddaughter; Mariah, siblings; Linda Hines, Adrienne (Joseph) Jackson, Lawrence (Patricia) Wise, Lenford (Samaria) Wise, Anthony (Marquetta) Wise, and Martinez (Christina) Wise, along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Services will be as follows:
Saturday May 9, 2020
Jackson Funeral Home
306 North Wall Street
Carbondale, IL 62901
Public Visitation 10AM-12PM (adhering to social distancing guidelines, there will be limitations on how many people can be inside at a time)
Private funeral service for immediate family directly following visitation.
Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to the Montford Point Marines Association https://montfordpointmarines.org/Donate
 

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