| Notes |
- Herman Wise, age 80, of Harlingen, Texas went to be with our Lord peacefully on January 26, 2011. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends.
Born June 6, 1930 in San Benito, Texas to Dolores & Jesus Miguel Wise who were well known for their small businesses located on Robertson Street in San Benito. Herman was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Margarito, Miguel, & Guillermo Wise.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 57 years, Raquel E. Wise, three daughters: Blanca Garcia, Nelda Rodriguez (Rene), Laura Dent (John), and two sons: David (Cristela), and Herman, Jr. (JoAnn), 3 sisters-in-law: Viola, Barbara, & Mary Wise, eight grandchildren: Jessica Lozano, Jacobo Salazar, Jr., Carlos, Ricardo, & Eli Benavidez, Jr., David Antonio & Leah Wise, & Olivia Dent, and 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Herman, who was known as Chacho in his early years, grew up during a period when most people were known more by their nicknames. Over the years he had compiled a list of more than 500 nicknames of friends he knew in his hometown of San Benito. Herman was a caring man with a witty personality who was known for his funny one liners. Herman was a graduate of San Benito High School and studied at Texas Southmost College. He played sports on the Greyhound football team and was a lifelong Greyhound fan. He always enjoyed cheering for the Greyhounds during the annual Battle of the Arroyo.
Herman served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War (1950-1952) and was assigned to the 40th Infantry Division 224th Regiment, heavy mortar company. Herman was wounded while serving on the front lines (Iron Triangle) during battle and awarded the Purple Heart due to the injuries he received on June 15, 1952. He also received the Korean Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, UN Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Army Occupational Medal (Japan). He was actively involved in the Military Order of the Purple Heart Organization and served as Commander of Chapter 544.
Herman was drawn to automobiles early in life having owned his beloved 1931 Model A Ford as a young man. He reluctantly sold the Model A to purchase furniture for a new home for his young family. Herman's affection for cars drove his ambition to form a used-car dealership in San Benito in 1963. He operated Wise Motors Sales on West Tyler Street for 28 years and relocated his car dealership to North 77 Sunshine Strip. Herman owned many antique/classic cars and utilized a Ford Model T during the 1970's to transport many brides on their wedding day to their church ceremony.
Herman was reunited with his beloved 1931 Ford Model A on February 23rd, 2008, when his sons surprised him and presented him with the car during his retirement celebration which was featured on the Channel 5 television program, "Con Me Gente." During his 45 years as a car dealer, he sincerely enjoyed meeting new customers and conversing with loyal customers who many times would just stop to visit.
Herman was a proud veteran and served as a volunteer driver for the Veterans' Administration for nearly six years. He transported fellow veteran patients from the Veterans' Clinic in McAllen to the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio. Herman was also a member of the local Veterans' Honor Guard, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans.
Herman served as a city commissioner in Harlingen in the early 1980's and was always passionate about being a voice for the underprivileged in the community. The civic-minded, Herman Wise, will forever be remembered and honored for his activism and contributions to his community in Harlingen's Walk of Fame.
Herman enjoyed many years of traveling with his wife to the western United States area along with many extensive trips throughout Mexico's interior. Over his years of traveling to Mexico, he forged many lifelong friendships. He always enjoyed sharing his knowledge of Texas and Mexico's history with family and friends.
Herman will especially be remembered as a devoted husband and father who cherished his family. He will always be remembered for extending his hand and greeting all with a firm handshake.
Pallbearers will be his sons: retired Justice of the Peace David A. Wise, and Herman Wise, Jr., grandsons: Eli Benavidez, Jr., Carlos Benavidez, Ricardo Benavidez, and David Antonio Wise.
Visitation will be held at Rudy Garza Funeral Home on Saturday, January 29 from 2 to 8 pm and Sunday, January 30 from 2 to 9 pm with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7 pm on Sunday.
Funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 31, 2011, departing the funeral home at 1:30 pm, for the 2 pm mass, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with burial following at Mont Meta Memorial Park, San Benito.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen.
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1930 - 2011 (80 years)
