Herbert "Sluggo" Wise, Jr.

May 21, 1951 – December 23, 2009

On Wednesday, December 23, 2009, Herbert Hoover "Sluggo" Wise, Jr., 58, of Lompoc, CA went home to be with Jesus after a brief illness. Sluggo was born and raised in Washington, DC. He graduated with honors and the rank of lieutenant from St. Emma's Military Academy in Virginia where he was proud to be the drum major. He was an accomplished musician, playing all the wind instruments, keyboards, as well as composing music. Several years later, he served in the U.S. Navy on a nuclear submarine. Sluggo began his career with the U.S. Postal Service in 1978 in El Toro, CA as a letter carrier. He transferred to Lompoc a year later where he continued to be "on the streets" for another 14 years as a public servant until he became a part of management. Sluggo served as an acting postmaster for several years before becoming the Postmaster for the Atascadero office. He took an early retirement in 2005 to later work, for a brief time, at Walmart as a cashier where Sluggo was able to do what he loved best --- coming face to face with the community.

Sluggo cared about people and was civic-minded. He was involved with the Lompoc Valley Community Youth Center since its inception. One of his joys was watching the young dancers from the El Sabor de Mexico group practice at the Center. Sluggo was dedicated to the annual, community tree-lighting ceremony sponsored by the American Cancer Society. He was currently serving as the president of the Club Arcturus. He was a member of the Order of Masons (inactive) and a lifetime member of the NAACP. During the days of the struggles, as a young boy, Sluggo participated in the march on Jackson, the march on Washington and worked with the youth at Resurrection City in Washington, DC. He was a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church.

Sluggo was passionate about his family. He loved watching "The Young & the Restless" with his mother and looked forward to Tuesday mornings when his dad would cut his hair. He loved restoring, showing and driving low-riders, motorcycles and golf.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Luvinia "Beany" Turk-Wise and his biological father, Herbert H. Wise, Sr. Sluggo is survived by his parents, Clarence and Gloria Willis of Lompoc, son, Michael Turk of Washington, D.C., siblings Vivian, Rhonda, Rene, Robin, & Randy all of the D.C. area, Robert Willis of Las Vegas, NV, Dale Willis & Deborah Gamble of Lompoc, Commodore "Dickie" Dickson of Goleta, Gwen, Mark & Kirk Willis of the SEA-TAC area of Washington state, Donald Willis of Houston, TX, 2 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his uncle Nathaniel McKan, aunt Joyce Makel, aunts Gertrude Cole (Donald) & Ida Wise-Jefferson (Charles) all of the D.C. area. Sluggo also leaves behind his Goddaughter, Lisa Weza, special friend Sylvia Newman and a host of close friends and extended family.

Sluggo will be remembered for being a peace-maker, for his big smile and for being a friend to everyone. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Viewing will take place Saturday, January 2, 2009 from 4-6pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary with a brief prayer service at 5pm lead by Pastor Willie Armstead of St. James Missionary Baptist Church. For children of all ages who loved Sluggo, there will be a balloon release held in his honor at the Lompoc Valley Community Youth Center, 537 N. K St. on Sunday, January 3rd at 2pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday, January 4, 2009 at 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, 3355 Constellation Rd., with Pastor Armstead officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery immediately after the service, followed by a reception at Calvary Baptist Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.