Jerry L. Wise

Jerry L. Wise, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023, at the age of 86. Mr. Wise was a native of Newton County, born in Porterdale in 1936 and graduating from Newton High School in 1954. He lived off Smith’s Store Road with his wife and son. From there he commuted into Atlanta for 30 years: all working for Railroad Publications, where he retired as a supervisor in 1997. He was a member of the railroad workers union. As a young man he served in Germany, stationed at Freiburg in the Ray Barracks - where he missed meeting Elvis by a year. He applied the discipline and sense of duty he learned in the service throughout the course of his life: always prepared, always calm in moments of anxiety. He enjoyed watching sports and suffered greatly as an unwavering fan of the Atlanta sports teams. Additionally, Mr. Wise loved to read science fiction and mystery books, photography, and completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. He was easy-going, very likable, and cherished spending time with his beloved family. In his later years he sold his suburban home to live with his son and daughter-in-law, first in Atlanta and finally in Cleveland, TN, where he passed one lovely spring day after completing his last puzzle. Mr. Wise was preceded in death by his wife, Amelia Wise; sons who both passed in infancy, Robert Wise, Gene Wise; parents, Fred and Louise Moore Wise; and sister, Mary Rape.

He is survived by his son, Fred Wise (Jami); and other loving family members.

A Graveside Service for Mr. Wise will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023, 1:00 P.M., at Lawnwood Memorial Park, 1111 Access Road, in Covington, with Rev. George Tatro officiating.