Bruce Wise

1937 - 2021

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - Bruce Franklin Wise was born in Craighead County on April 20, 1937, and died at his home in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, on Aug. 26, 2021.

He leaves his beloved wife of 65 years, Mildred "Mickie" Getz Wise; his daughters, Kimberly Wise Johnson and Sherrie Wise, both of Coeur D'Alene, and the delights of his life, his four grandchildren, Matthew Johnson, Katherine Johnson, Adam (Kayli) Wager and Lauren (Sean Dunston) Wager.

He also leaves his much-loved sisters, Billie June Matthews and Betty Carolyn Armstrong, both of Jonesboro, Barbara Jean Mackey of Hartford, Brenda Joy Schultz Harvey (Harold) of Jonesboro, Pamela Wise of Mountain Home, Jerri Keith and his favorite sister-in-law, Shelley Jeanfreau of Hammond, La.

He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, whom he adored, especially Lorrie Brady Evans and Danny Price, many cousins and lifelong friends, including Kathy and Bruce Robarge.

He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Wise, his brother, Bobby Ray Wise, his parents, Dock Wise and Edna Morrison Wise, his niece, Robin Panhorst, seven brothers-in-law and his fishing buddy, Bob Grayson.

Bruce spent 25 years in the United States Air Force, where he served in South Dakota; Korea; North Dakota; Wyoming; Bitburg, Germany; Southern California; and Wasserkuppe, Germany, before his last assignment at Mather Field, in Sacramento, Calif.

He retired there and spent another 20 years working at McClellan Field towing airplanes before retiring a second time. He served his country faithfully and well during both of his careers.

America slept well while he stood watch. His life journey took him to many other states and countries, but he always remained a proud and loyal Arkansas son; no other place was ever "home" to him.

A hard worker all of his life, Bruce also enjoyed the outdoors, country music, building and fixing things, gardening, fishing, driving and spending time with his family and friends.

If something had wheels, he could fix it and drive it. He was a true Southern gentleman, a singer and storyteller of the finest degree and if someone was lucky enough to be his friend that person had a dedicated and devoted friend for life.

He believed in taking care of his family, treating people fairly and compassionately, and always having as much fun as possible. He leaves a good name, people that love and miss him, and many wonderful memories. There is no finer legacy.

His life's anthem was sung by the great Conway Twitty when he sang, "… And he said 'That's my job, That's what I do. Everything I do is because of you, To keep you safe with me. That's my job you see.'"

Bruce loved and took care of his family with every fiber of his being and his death leaves a hole that will never be filled.

Interment and a celebration of life will be held in Nettleton in the summer of 2022. Details will follow closer to the actual date.

All family and friends will be invited to share stories and lift a glass to a life well-lived, and a man well and forever loved.