Gus Wise Jr.

Gus Wise, Jr., 77, of Panama City, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 22, 2025. Born on July 30, 1948, in Panama City, Gus was a graduate of Rutherford High School, Class of 1966.

A man of vision and determination, he built his company, Gus Wise Electric, from the ground up and successfully operated it for more than twenty years. Beyond his business, he gave back to his community as a board member for Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative and as a member of Callaway Masonic Lodge No. 369.

Gus's faith was at the heart of who he was. As a longtime member of Springfield United Methodist Church, he served in many leadership roles under the guidance of Pastor Fred Melvin. Together with his wife, Nancy, Gus answered God's call to serve as houseparents at the Taunton Family Children's Home, where they provided love, stability, and guidance to many children during their three years of service.

After selling his business, Gus embraced retirement with joy. He spent many days fishing at his Howard Creek camp and cherished time at his mountain home in Blairsville, Georgia, always alongside Nancy.

Gus will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, faithful servant, and a cherished friend to many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gus Sr. and Christine Wise, and brother, Roger Wise.

Those who will continue to cherish Gus's memory include his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy Wise; his daughter, Kelly Wise and husband Jared; his son, Brian Wise; and Ricardo Garrett, who lovingly knew him as "Papa Gus." He was a proud grandfather to Zion Cochran. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Wise (Donna); his sisters, Alice Williams, Joyce Rogers (Dan), and Marcelle Wise; close family friend, Cherri; his brother-in-law, Bud and wife Joann; and sisters-in-law, Connie, Marie, and Pam. Gus will also be remembered with love by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to VITAS Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided to Gus and his family. A special thank you is also given to the Callaway Fire Department for their kindness, assistance, and dedicated care throughout the years.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Carl Fountain officiating. Gus will be laid to rest at Garden of Memories Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Taunton Family Children's Home or to a charity of your choice.

Livestream Instructions:

Meeting URL: See Link Below

***From a mobile device, you will be directed to download the Online Meeting App. From a PC, you will be directed to the Online Meeting Webpage. Please make sure to turn off your webcam and microphone once you have joined the meeting. This can be done in the Online Meeting app or webpage. ***

Optional Dial-In Number: +15717484021

PIN: 763-007-575#

Quick dial (mobile): +15717484021,,763-007-575#