Ray Wise

Waynesville, Raymond John Wise, 66, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at The Homestead. Born in Muscatine, Iowa, he was the son of the late John and Helen Cobb Wise. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Baldwin; his aunt, Frances Hart; and uncle, Alvin Cobb. At the age of 22, Ray became owner/operator of his own news production company that covered Florida State Government and had been also a member of the Press Corps. He was the Communications Officer for the Secretary of State, Health & Human Services and the Lottery Commission. In semi-retirement, he worked for ESPN and the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce and for 25 years was the stage manager for the Florida State Homecoming Show, POW-WOW. Ray was an avid landscaper and gardener who had a generous spirit and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. As a child, Ray enjoyed spending time with his grandparents at Lake Junaluska and was able to come back to this area for his final years of life. Ray is survived by his wife of 18 years, Joyce Guyer Wise; brother-in-law, Charles Baldwin of Tarpon Springs, Florida; his uncle, Reverend James Hart; his aunt, Sue Cobb; and cousins, Larry and Steve Hart, Lisa and Bruce Cobb and Susan Singleton. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at the Wells Events & Reception Center with Reverend James Hart officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Building 1, Asheville, NC 28801.

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