G. B. Wise

Funeral services for G.B. Wise Jr., 77, of Livingston, Texas will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Methodist Church in Livingston, Texas with Rev. Joel McMahon officiating. Interment will follow at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.

G.B. was born September 2, 1948, in Mason City, Iowa and passed away January 27, 2026, in Livingston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, G.B. Wise Sr. and Eleanor Tjebkes Behley; brother, Bruce Wise; sister, April Wise; and stepfather, Joseph Behley.

When GB was 11 years old, his family moved to Oklahoma City, where he graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1966. He then enlisted in the US Navy, and served from 1967-1971, at which time he was honorably discharged. Most of his time was spent with Attack Squadron 176 on the carrier USS Franklin D Roosevelt.

In 1970, GB married Marilyn Ealick. They were married for more than 55 years.

Upon returning to Oklahoma in 1971, GB enrolled in Oklahoma State University and achieved his bachelor's degree in electronic engineering technology in just 3 years.

His first job post-graduation was with Houston Lighting & Power. In 1976 he went to work for Shell Oil, where he spent the remainder of his career, first as a systems analyst, then a senior systems analyst, retiring in 2008.

During this time, GB held several positions at Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, TX and served for 14 years with UM ARMY, most of those years as director.

GB and Marilyn retired to Livingston, TX in 2009, where he spent much of his time volunteering. He was a sought-after Sunday school teacher at First Methodist Church and sang in the choir. He also served as treasurer of the church for several years, as well as treasurer for Great Beginning Preschool. He worked with Helping Hands and especially loved his work with Noah's Helpers.

GB also served in the community, volunteering with MannaFest for many years, as well as sitting on their board of directors, serving as treasurer of Polk County Emergency Health Board, and helping build with Habitat for Humanity.

GB's greatest love was his family, especially his two granddaughters, whom he loved spending time with.

GB died as a result of a 3-year battle with Parkinson's Disease.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, Noah's Helpers at First Methodist Church, or MannaFest Food Pantry.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Wise; son, Gary Wise and wife Shannon; daughter, Heather Lowery and husband Tom; granddaughters, Abigail Lowery and Eleanor Lowery; brothers, Paul Wise, Monte Wise, Rex Wise, Charles Wise and Andy Wise; sister Susan Cross; and brother, Joel Behley; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers: Paul Wise, Monte Wise, Rex Wise, Charles Wise, Susan Cross, Joel Behley

To send a flower arrangement in memory of G. B. Wise, please click here to visit our sympathy store.