Brother Wiley James Pernell Jr. was born in Bogalusaa on Dec. 9, 1946, to the late Wiley James Pernell Sr. and Beatrice May Pernell.

Brother Wiley was raised in Milwaukee, where he attended and graduated from Marquette High School. After graduation he was drafted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After 2 1/2 years in the military, he moved back to Bogalusa. That’s where he met and married the love of his life, Sister Annie Pearl Moses Pernell.

He believed in working to provide for his family. He was employed at Crown Zellerbach until he was laid off from work. He worked at Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville. He settled down for 23 years and retired at the prison in Angie, which was then called Washington Correctional Institute.

He was a vibrant, active member at Wesley Ray United Methodist Church. He enjoyed attending and participating in the adult class church school. He has served on the adult usher board and several auxiliary church organizations, including the United Methodist Men.

Together he and his wife have loved and raised four beautiful children: Gwendolyn (Irvin Sr.) Yvonne Spikes Pigott, Lorraine Spikes James, Ozelia Marie Spikes and Sherrita (Ray Jr.) Takya Pernell Robinson. Also he leaves to cherish his memory nine lovely grandchildren: Irvin Jr., Crystal, Kandice, Harden III, Gerard, Tiffany, Terrence, Andrew and Donte’; and three handsome godchildren: Ignatius Moses, Gerard James and Terrence Spikes. He currently has 17 charming great-grandchildren; two delightful brothers: Dennis Pernell and Gregory Pernell; and three graceful sisters: Tanya May, Dondra Pernell and Melissa Pernell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Wiley (Beatrice) James Pernell Sr.; and two brothers, Michael (Buddy) Pernell and Gerald (Jay) Pernell.

The visitation will be Friday, March 27, 2015, at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., with a family hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at Wesley Ray United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Terrence August, pastor, officiating. The interment will follow at Wesley Ray United Methodist Church Cemetery.