Samuel Wise, Sr.

Jeanerette, LA

“He died for me; I’ll die for him and I’ll die believing in Him.” - Samuel Wise

Samuel Wise, Sr., a native of Jeanerette, Louisiana, was born on March 22, 1927 to the late Arlene Nicholas Ewing and Eddie Wise, Sr. Affectionately called, Sam, he was the youngest of four children. Monday, June 8, 2026, our beloved, peacefully transitioned to glory.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 during World War II, answering the call of duty as America fought against the Axis powers, primarily consisting of Germany, Italy and Japan.

He was affectionately called Sam, Pop, Daddy, Da, by all of his friends and collegues. Sam worked for Coca Cola Bottling Company for sixteen years and retired from J&L Honiron after seventeen years.

On July 5, 1951, he married the love of his life, Shirley Duchane Wise. Their union was blessed with 62 years of marriage before she transitioned to eternal life. Shirley and their children were the great joy of his life.

A man of deep faith, he read the Bible at a very early age - from Genesis to Revelation. His life stood as a powerful testament to God's grace. Even at 99 years young, he remained independent, cared for himself, and was of sound mind with excellent vision. He joyfully celebrated his 99th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was lovingly known for being among the first to hold his grandchildren after birth. Holidays created treasured memories that his family will forever hold close.

He found happiness in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. He loved hunting, fishing, and watching westerns, though Wild Kingdom held a special place as one of his favorites. He was also an avid baseball player, and the Houston Astros was his favorite team.

Among his most recent contributions to his community was his significant role in sharing the oral recorded history of Jeanerette. Through his lived experiences and extensive historical knowledge, his support helped Jeanerette obtain certification for Louisiana's 127th Historic Cultural District for preservation and revitalization. The area is known as Railroad Avenue Historic Cultural District. Sam was recognized in the April/May 2025 issue of Preservation in Print, a widely read magazine throughout the state and by subscribers across the nation.

To his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him, Samuel leaves behind a lasting “blueprint” of a man whose life is worthy of emulation — a legacy of faith, strength, wisdom, and love.

Cherishing his memory are his children: Calena Ruth Wise, Felicia Wise Raymond (Paul), Samuel Wise II (Wanda), and Nathaniel Wise, all of Jeanerette. He also leaves to treasure his memory 13 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 37 great-great-grandchildren, and the grandchildren he helped raise as his own, Samuel Wise III, Andalicia Moore and Mariah Raymond-Noel.

He now joins in glory his beloved wife, Shirley Duchane Wise; his parents, Arlene Nicholas Ewing and Eddie Wise, Sr.; son, Vernon Mathews, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Callie Mathews; grandson, Derrick Wise, Sr.; granddaughter, Anita Mathews; brother, Eddie Wise; sisters, Mable Wise Williams and Isabella Wise; and his nephew, Wilbert Williams.

A Celebration of Life honoring his life will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, 1:00 PM at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Jeanerette, LA. 

Visitation will be Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the commencement of the celebration at St. Paul United Methodist Church

Mr. Wise will be interred with military honors in Beau Pre Cemetery Mausoleum, Jeanerette, LA.

MK Dixon Funeral Home, 337-940-9253, 211 Main Street, Baldwin, LA 70514.