Calvin Coolidge Wise Sr.

Calvin Coolidge Wise, Sr., was born on April 22, 1933, in Wattsville, Virginia, to the late Zedric Wise and Ella Wise. Born into a large and loving family, he was the youngest of ten siblings and the last surviving member of his immediate family. During his early years, his parents relocated to Snow Hill, Maryland, where he spent much of his childhood and young adult life. He peacefully departed this life at home in Baltimore, Maryland, on Friday, January 9, 2026. Calvin was educated in the Worcester County Public School System and graduated from Worcester High School in 1951. A proud United States Army Veteran, Calvin was drafted during the Korean War and served his country honorably until his discharge in 1955. In the early 1960s, he became a member of the Masonic organization, which supported and enriched his personal growth and travels. Calvin retired from the Perdue Chicken Factory as an over-the-road truck driver—a profession he absolutely loved. A skilled Class A professional truck driver, he took great pride in his abilities and was well known for knowing the fastest and shortest routes to any destination. He also enjoyed communicating with fellow drivers over his CB radio, where he was affectionately known as “Easy Creeper.” While living in Snow Hill, Maryland, Calvin met the love of his life, Rosetta Sadie Waters. Calvin and Rosetta were united in Holy Matrimony on August 24, 1957, and shared 68 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting friendships. They later relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and eventually settled in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1965, where they raised their family. From this union, three sons were born: Calvin Coolidge Wise, Jr., Brian Keith Wise, Sr., and the late Daryl Kendel Wise. Calvin leaves behind his loving family to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Rosetta Sadie Wise, his children: Calvin Coolidge Wise, Jr. (Joanne), Brian Keith Wise, Sr. (Julia), Kazi Tourie, Otha Shockley (Vickie), and Pamela Corson (Robert); 13 grandchildren: Calvin Coolidge Wise III, Sean Alexander Wise, Sierra Wise, Brian Keith Wise, Jr., Jason Matthew Wise, Kia Shockley, Kris Shockley, Antione Shockley, Adrienne Shockley (Lake), Justin Shockley, Derrick McGowan, Meeka Toure-Ortiz, Jahari Toure-Ortiz, and 16 great grandchildren: Calvin Coolidge Wise IV, Tyler Wise, Riley Wise, River Wise, Reese Wise, Trinity Shockley, Jayce Freeman, Kamdyn Shockley, Jayden McIntyre, Malik Shockley, Mekel Shockley, Serenity Ringold, Naomi Ringold, Orion Shockley, Alayah Shockley, and Adam Fountain, and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Zedric and Ella Wise, nine siblings: Otha Edward Wise, Zedric Wise, Jr., Hazel Wise Davis, Esley Wise, Eva Mae Wise, Lester Lee Wise, Pauline Francis Williams, Rudolph Wise, James Wise, son, Daryl Kendel Wise, and grandson, Devin Bodden. Calvin will be deeply missed by his family and friends and forever remembered for his strength, candor, deep love for his family, his appreciation for the blues, the open highway, Bruno, his favorite German Sheppard dog, and the enduring family legacy he leaves behind. Keep on truckin, Boss!!! “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.” — Revelation 21:4

Calvin Coolidge Wise Sr.

April 22, 1933 - January 9, 2026