Services will be held at Dixie Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS on Thursday, February 9th at 11am, for David W. Wise, age 86, of Hattiesburg, MS who passed away at Asbury Hospice House on February 6th, 2017.

Mr. Wise was born in Picayune, MS and was Salutatorian of his high school Class of 1948. He later received a chemistry degree with distinction from Mississippi College in 1952. When duty called, he served his country in Japan for two years. He was employed for 38 + years by Crown Zellerbach in Bogalusa, LA as an Environmental Chemist. Mr. Wise was very involved in his community. He served as president of the School board for the Poplarville School District and other community leadership positions.

He was passionate about his family, people in need, and the cause of Christ. He shared the Love of Christ in many ways such as teaching Sunday school and serving as Chairmen of the Deacons at Bethel Baptist Church. Helping neighbors was a routine occurrence. He also participated in many Christian mission trips all over the globe. When his health would no longer allow him to travel, he provided 1000’s of hand-made wooden toys for children to enjoy and further spread the Gospel. After retiring, he and his wife relocated to Hattiesburg in 1993 where he continued to teach SS at Dixie Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dumas and Ira Woodward Wise and his siblings, Luther Wise, Joe Wise, Wilford Wise, and Dorris Balaski.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita Megehee Wise of 59 years and 3 children: Becky Goetz (Terry) of Hattiesburg, Paul Wise (Karen) of Hattiesburg, and Margaret Walters (Todd) of Austin, TX. Seven grandchildren: Aaron Getz (Angie) , Sarah Brinkley, Ryan Wise, Jeremy Wise (Kimberly), Caleb Walters, Zachary Walters, and Jacob Walters. There are also three great-grandchildren: Lily Brinkley, Layla Brinkley, Natalie Getz, and two baby girls (Madison Wise and Teresa Getz) expected soon.


Special thanks are given to the wonderful staff at Asbury Hospice House, First Light Home Care, and Forrest General Home Care.

Visitation will be at Forrest Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6-9pm, with a second visitation at 10am prior to the service. Interment will be at Dixie Community Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Peru Missions, through Dixie Baptist Church.