Raleigh Wilkins Obituary Raleigh Wilkins June 25, 1974 - July 22, 2022 Chicago, IL - Raleigh Wilkins, 48, departed this earthly life on July 22, 2022. He was born in Richmond, Virginia and grew up in Franklin, Virginia. He called several locations home over the course of his life, including the Washington DC and Gaithersburg, MD areas, and most recently in Chicago, Illinois. Raleigh served in the United States Marine Corps for 6 years and loved his country dearly. After his time in the military, he transitioned his leadership skills into a successful sales career that spanned several industries and locations. His true professional gift was mentorship in sales, and teaching others how to use their talents to be successful in that field. He combined his mentorship experience with his passion to help his military brothers and sisters to create his latest venture, Sales Platoon. To know Raleigh was to love Raleigh. He had a special ability to make others feel as though they were the most important person in the room, and to inspire others to see the best in themselves. He has mentored, encouraged, and sponsored innumerable people over the years. He will be remembered as a caring and loyal friend to many. To those closest to him, Raleigh was his most authentic self when he allowed his beautiful heart to shine through, even in its most vulnerable moments. He was a beautiful, multifaceted soul and best expressed himself through his writing and music. Raleigh felt things more deeply than most and was loved beyond measure. Raleigh is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Barnette and husband Kevin; his beloved niece, Hannah Sawyer; his uncle, Mitch Sandlin and husband Dave; his aunt, Judith Sandlin; the love of his life, Merritt McClayton; his three closest friends, Dana Jackson, Travis Keaton and Anthony Wolf; and countless family members, friends and business associates who will miss him terribly. Raleigh was predeceased by his mother, Sandra Wilkins, and his uncle, Bob Sandlin. A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 28th at 6PM at New Life Church, 2958 North Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. A zoom link is available for those who cannot attend in person. (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81775295399?pwdTl NSd Fkz RXp Cdl Ro Vj VKTGxkbn Rr QT09). The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 31st from 2-4 PM at Fred's Restaurant, located at 107 S. Main Street, Franklin, VA. Burial will be private for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org), VFW (vfw.org) or Children s Hospital of the King s Daughters Lighting the Way Initiative. Checks can be mailed to the CHKD Philanthropy Office, PO Box 2156, Norfolk, VA 23501 or online at CHKD.ORG/Give. Obituary published on Legacy.com by Wright Funeral Home and Crematory - Franklin on Aug. 17, 2022. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See also: 1) https://www.wrightfuneralhome.org/obituary/Raleigh-Wilkins 2) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/raleigh-wilkins-obituary?id36243165 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Narrative Summary of the Obituary Raleigh Wilkins, born on 25 June 1974, passed away on 22 July 2022 at the age of 48. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he excelled in sales mentorship and inspired many. Raleigh was remembered for his kindness, deep empathy, and the impact he had on friends and family. ### Narrative Summary of Funeral Services A memorial service for Raleigh Wilkins was held on 28 July 2022. The family received friends on 31 July 2022. Burial was private for the family at a later date. ### The Edited Obituary **Raleigh Wilkins** **25 June 1974 - 22 July 2022** Chicago, IL - Raleigh Wilkins, 48, departed this earthly life on 22 July 2022. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, and grew up in Franklin, Virginia. He called several locations home over the course of his life, including the Washington, D.C., and Gaithersburg, MD, areas, and most recently in Chicago, Illinois. Raleigh served in the United States Marine Corps for 6 years and loved his country dearly. After his time in the military, he transitioned his leadership skills into a successful sales career that spanned several industries and locations. His true professional gift was mentorship in sales and teaching others how to use their talents to be successful in that field. He combined his mentorship experience with his passion to help his military brothers and sisters to create his latest venture, Sales Platoon. To know Raleigh was to love Raleigh. He had a special ability to make others feel as though they were the most important person in the room and to inspire others to see the best in themselves. He has mentored, encouraged, and sponsored innumerable people over the years. He will be remembered as a caring and loyal friend to many. To those closest to him, Raleigh was his most authentic self when he allowed his beautiful heart to shine through, even in its most vulnerable moments. He was a beautiful, multifaceted soul and best expressed himself through his writing and music. Raleigh felt things more deeply than most and was loved beyond measure. Raleigh is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Barnette, and husband Kevin; his beloved niece, Hannah Sawyer; his uncle, Mitch Sandlin, and husband Dave; his aunt, Judith Sandlin; the love of his life, Merritt McClayton; his three closest friends, Dana Jackson, Travis Keaton, and Anthony Wolf; and countless family members, friends, and business associates who will miss him terribly. Raleigh was predeceased by his mother, Sandra Wilkins, and his uncle, Bob Sandlin. A memorial service will be held Thursday, 28 July, at 6 PM at New Life Church, 2958 North Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. A Zoom link is available for those who cannot attend in person. (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81775295399?pwdTl NSd Fkz RXp Cdl Ro Vj VKTGxkbn Rr QT09). The family will receive friends on Sunday, 31 July, from 2-4 PM at Fred's Restaurant, located at 107 S. Main Street, Franklin, VA. Burial will be private for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org), VFW (vfw.org), or Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters Lighting the Way Initiative. Checks can be mailed to the CHKD Philanthropy Office, PO Box 2156, Norfolk, VA 23501, or online at CHKD.ORG/Give. Obituary published on Legacy.com by Wright Funeral Home and Crematory , Franklin on 17 August 2022. ### Vital Statistics Summary | Name | Raleigh Wilkins | |---------|-----------------------------------| | Age | 48 years | | Birth | 25 June 1974; Richmond, Virginia | | Death | 22 July 2022; Chicago, Illinois | ### Table of Relationships - Survived by his sister, Elizabeth Barnette, and husband Kevin. - Survived by his beloved niece, Hannah Sawyer. - Survived by his uncle, Mitch Sandlin, and husband Dave. - Survived by his aunt, Judith Sandlin. - Survived by his partner, Merritt McClayton. - Survived by his three closest friends, Dana Jackson, Travis Keaton, and Anthony Wolf. - Predeceased by his mother, Sandra Wilkins, and uncle, Bob Sandlin. ### Other Relevant Information 1. Raleigh Wilkins served in the United States Marine Corps for 6 years. 2. He had a successful sales career that spanned several industries and locations. 3. Raleigh was known for his mentorship in sales, helping others to succeed in their careers. 4. He founded Sales Platoon to support fellow veterans. 5. Raleigh expressed himself through writing and music, showcasing his multifaceted personality. 6. He was remembered for his ability to inspire others and make them feel valued.