Richard M. Wisely's Obituary
On Friday, October 4, 2013 Richard M. Wisely, age 68, and a proud resident of Kerrville, TX, received relocation orders from His Savior and Lord. After a period of extended negotiations yesterday, Rich agreed to the "move," and relinquished his hold on the things of this world at midnight. He was met at the Gates by his beloved wife of 45 years, Mary L. "Sunshine" Wisely of Hawk Point, MO; his dear mother, Mary Eleanor Wisely; his aunts, Margery and Faith Wisely; his close friend and mentor, Dr. Orlan Walter Pflasterer; and other in-laws, extended family and good friends, all saints and characters in their own right. Richard was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1945 in Santa Monica, CA and was raised in his mother's hometown, of Coulterville, IL. He attended and graduated the local elementary and high school in Coulterville before entering Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for several years. Rich and the love of his life lived in many states, including MO, IL, OH, GA, FL and AZ before they came to their senses and moved to the Hill Country in 2006. Throughout their life together, he and Mary traveled extensively, and shared blessings and adventures too numerous to count. His vocational accomplishments include 10 years of service as a member of the National Guard and Reserves before beginning a long and distinguished career as a businessman and entrepreneur. He was an executive with Rexall Drug Co. of St. Louis for many years until the sale of that entity to Rexall Sundown, Inc. of Boca Raton, FL, where he served as Chief Operating Officer until his retirement in his early fifties. Rich then became an independent venture capitalist, coach and marketing consultant in Scottsdale, AZ until his "second retirement" to Kerrville, TX. While his travels and business accomplishments were many and significant, he was most proud of being a follower of Jesus Christ, a loving husband to Mary, a father to his sons, and a "Rascal at Large" in the various social circles, Bible Studies and Men's Ministries he became involved with. Richard was raised as a member of Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church in Coulterville, IL, and was active in many other churches throughout his adult life. Most recently, he was baptized in the Guadalupe River by his son, Richard O. Wisely of Kerrville, TX, as a sign of his desire to become a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Rich is survived by his loving sons, Richard Orlan and wife Melissa Wisely of Kerrville, TX, Scott Cameron and wife Susan Wisely of Orlando, FL, and Matthew Charles Wisely of Tallahassee, FL; three grandchildren by Richard and Melissa: Matthew, Logan, and Natasha and husband USMC Sgt. (Ret.) Derik Udink; and great grandchildren Emberlynn Grace and Tristan Randyll. And even though he proudly considered himself an "outlaw" to Mary's family, Richard also leaves behind the following members her clan, all of whom he respected and loved deeply: Ed and wife Glenda Stanek of Creve Coeur, MO, Charles F. and wife Sharon Stanek of Hawk Point, Charlotte Smith of Wentzville, MO, Evelyn Hueffmeier of Wentzville, MO, Jeannie Hartmann of Camdenton, MO, Dorothy and husband James Caldwell of Troy, Audrey and husband Frank Roth of Hawk Point, Patty and husband Mike Mottert of St. Charles, MO, Bill and wife Gail Stanek of Hawk Point, Bob and wife Pam Stanek of Hawk Point, John Stanek of Hawk Point, and Joseph and wife Karen Stanek of Hawk Point; several dozen nieces, nephews and other relatives; and blessed-friends too numerous to count, including his comrades and buddies from the "Old Men's Thursday Bible Study" at Trinity Baptist Church, of whom he thought the world. There is not space to recount what a character Rich was, nor the glory and hope he is now experiencing. As a gift to you, dear reader, he would want you to remember that "The Truth must always trump what you feel." For him (and his family) the "Truth" is the person of Jesus Christ, who declared of Himself, "I am the way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He would want you to know the same Truth so that you could hold fast to the same hope that carried him and his dear Mary to their eternal Home (just one year apart). He would also want you to live life to the fullest, and act up as much as possible, as there is now one less lovely "rascal" left on this earth. A Memorial Celebration Service, will be held at Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church, Coulterville, Illinois on Friday October 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Jim Stark, and Richard's son, Pastor Rich Wisely officiating. Interment will be in Coulterville City Cemetery, Coulterville, Illinois. A time of visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home on 5th Street in Coulterville, IL from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on Thursday, October 10, 2013 and also at Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church (located at 7th & Chestnut Streets) from 9:00 - 10:00AM on Friday, October 11, 2013. In lieu of flowers for Rich's service the family invites you to consider sending a gift to the General Fund of his childhood church home of Grandcote Reformed Presbyterian Church (PO Box 411, Coulterville IL 62237-0411).
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?