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CHICAGO, Illinois – Raleigh Wilkins, 48, departed this earthly life on July 22, 2022. He was born in Richmond, Virginia and grew up in Franklin. He called several locations home over the course of his life, including the Washington, D.C. and Gaithersburg, Maryland areas and most recently in Chicago, Illinois.

Raleigh served in the United States Marine Corps for six 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 su

ccessful 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 28, at 6 p.m. at New Life Church, 2958 North Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618. A zoom link will be available for those who cannot attend in person. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 31 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Fred’s Restaurant, located at 107 S. Main Street, Franklin. 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, P.O. Box 2156, Norfolk, VA 23501 or online at CHKD.ORG/Give.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org