Terry Steven Wise

REFLECTIONS OF LIFE:

Terry Steven Wise was born on January 8, 1942, in Michigan City, Indiana, the youngest son of Emmet and Collie Belle (Hatcher) Wise.

 Terry accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.  He sang in various church and school choirs and participated in sports during his teenage years. 

He graduated from Elston Senior High School in 1960. Terry spent summers in Chicago, Illinois, with his cousins Dean and Greg Wise at Chicago Technical Construction Company, owned by his uncle Charles “Ticky” Wise, where he learned and worked in the construction trade. This education would serve him well into the future as he worked as a general contractor building his own home and other prominent construction projects in Gary, Indiana. The construction trade was not the only thing Terry learned in Chicago. He learned about love when he met and married Geraldine (Gerri) Walker on November 16, 1963. Their union remained strong for 59 years. Like his father and brother Carlton Wise, Terry entered the military service in 1966 and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1968 having obtained the rank of Sergeant. Family was the cornerstone of Terry’s life. He and Gerri were blessed with their daughter Candace Hope Wise and son/nephew Raphael Barker. He was a devoted brother to his siblings Jacqui Walton, Carlean Pender, and Carlton Wise. He was always available for advice, counsel and healthy political and sport debates with friends and family alike.

An avid student of history and politics, Terry enjoyed learning about different periods of time and drawing parallels to modern-day life. With politics almost being the family business, he was a staunch supporter of his uncle Richard Gordon Hatcher and cousins Ragen Hatcher and Rachelle Hatcher Swann in all their campaigns. In 1998, Terry and Gerri joined forces to create A “Wise” Choice Limousine Service where he served as Vice President of the company.  For over 20 years, they worked together creating a lasting legacy of family and partnership.

Terry Wise passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at aged 80, after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his parents Emmet and Collie Belle Wise, brother Carlton Wise, sister Carlean Pender and nephew Shaun Gordie Pender.

He leaves to cherish his unforgettable memories his beloved wife: Gerri Wise, children: Candace Hope Wise and Raphael (Joanilla) Barker, sister: Jacqui Walton, aunt: Margie Davis, nieces: Kimberly (Kevin) Slaughter and Nicole (Michael) Bardlett, nephews: Brian, Sidney and Chris Pender, special cousin: Anne Martin, godsons: DeWayne Martin and DeWitt Martin III and host of family and friends.

Terry’s love, laughter, presence, and smile will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

A Celebration of life will take place Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 12 noon at Coleman and Hicks Chapel 101 S. Karwick Rd. Michigan City, Indiana 46360, with Pastor James E. Lane Jr., to do Eulogy. Viewing will be 11am until time of service. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. 

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