Edward Joseph Wiest, Jr.

Edward Joseph Wiest, Jr., known to many as "Doc Wiest", passed away on November 25, 2025, at age 87. He was born on June 14, 1938, in Philadelphia, PA, son of Edward J. Wiest, Sr., and Katherine Wiest.

He served in the US Army with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper while at Fort Bragg, NC. Wiest then attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, where he played football with his group of friends, nicknamed "The Herd." While at WCU, Wiest met his future wife, Cynthia, whom he married on November 25, 1961.

Son Joe was born in 1963. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Wiest set up his mobile equine veterinary practice in Ocala, Florida. His family grew with the arrival of his daughters, Ashley, then Sarah. Dr. Wiest worked for over 4o years as a highly regarded veterinarian on the horse farms of Marion County, and was a familiar face at the Ocala Breeders Sales Company. He bred multiple stakes winners, most notably Captain Bodgit, who, in 1997, placed second in the Kentucky Derby, and third in the Preakness.

Wiest spent much of his time with his family, boating, swimming, and scalloping on the Gulf Coast. Early on, he reigned as Marion County's unofficial handball champion. He also enjoyed time at the beach in St.

Augustine, FL, and many summers at his cabin in Western North Carolina. Wiest enjoyed racing dirt bikes, and was a lifetime member of Florida Trail Riders Association and Big Scrub Trail Riders. After finishing his racing career, Wiest continued to ride his dirt bike on trails and back roads of Florida and North Carolina as a dual-sport rider. He led a full and productive life, loving and providing for his family and taking care of his retired horses; there was always a dog at his side.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, an older sister, Katherine, and younger sister, Kathy and by his son, Edward J. Wiest

III (Joe).

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Cynthia, daughters, Ashley Wiest and Sarah Heather (Mark) and grandson, Oliver. A private committal service was held on Sunday, December 14, for the family at The Episcopal Church of the Mediator, Micanopy, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to the E. W. and Lucille Cates House, Hospice of Marion County to honor "Doc" Wiest.