Russell Ray Wise, Sr., 81, of Louise, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at his home.
Ray was born on March 20, 1944, in Cleveland, to Thomas Riley Wise and Lena Pearl Lupo Wise. He was raised in Humphreys County, where he graduated from high school. Then he went on to get a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Mississippi State University. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a Vietnam War veteran. Ray worked in farming for many years alongside his brother until his retirement in 2010. He was a hardworking man who always needed to stay busy, so it was no surprise that shortly after retiring, he began helping his son until he retired again last year. Ray loved God and was well-versed in the Bible. He cherished his family and was a devoted family man. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of Tchula Baptist Church.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Thomas Riley Wise; his brother, Lawrence Paul “Larry” Wise; his sister-in-law, Rita Sandling Wise; his brother-in-law, Ricky Caldwell; his brother-in-law, Jerry Caldwell; and his brother-in-law, Ronald Chester.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Jeanne Wise of Louise; his son, Russell Ray Wise, Jr. of Louise; his daughter, LaRae Renee Williams (Jeremy) of Canton; his granddaughter, Addison Rae Williams; his sisters-in-law, Margaret Chester of Ocean Springs, Meryl Caldwell of Houma, Louisiana, Ruby Caldwell of Teoc, and Mona Wise of Bogue Chitto; his brother-in-law, Steve Caldwell (Cheryl) of Madison; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM, with Bro. Jim Joiner officiating. Burial will follow at Greencrest Gardens in Belzoni. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Baptist Children's Village, Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, or St. Jude.
