William Charles "Bill" Wisely

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:3

Early on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025, William "Bill" Charles Wisely slipped peacefully into eternity at age 82, surrounded by his family singing and praying. It is fitting that he met his Savior on a day set aside for gratitude, having lived a life saved by grace, transformed by the Spirit, and marked by love, faithfulness, and humble generosity.

The family will welcome visitors at Beacon Baptist Church (2110 Trawick Road, Raleigh, NC 27604) on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 2, at the same location. All are welcome to attend.

Known affectionately as "Billy" during his childhood and as "Mr. Bill" or "Brother Bill" later in life, Bill was born in 1942 in New Bern, NC, to William Wilson Wisely and Mable Ruth Mahan Wisely. Along with his two brothers, Ray and Kenny, he enjoyed a childhood filled with loving memories and hard work. Bill graduated from Pine Forest High School in Laurinburg, NC, and went on to attend Catawba County Community College in Hickory, NC, as well as the Industrial Education Center in Fayetteville, NC.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia "Pat" Jean Barringer Wisely. Bill and Pat first met in 1963 in Pat's hometown of Hickory, NC, and were married on January 31, 1965. They soon settled in the Raleigh area. Their eldest daughter, Kris Rene, was born in 1966, followed by Kimberly Ann in 1968, and Jonathan Paul in 1974. Bill led his family with love, good humor (often through corny jokes), and faith, embodying the words from Joshua 24:15 displayed on a plaque in their home: "…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Bill and Pat cherished watching their children build families of their own and are deeply blessed to be mother- and father-in-law to Sam Harris, David Armstrong, and Gina Wisely. They are proud grandparents of Samuel III, Patti Jo, Nicholas, George, Emma, William, Benjamin, and Naomi, and great-grandparents to Mason (deceased) and Samuel IV.

From an early age, Bill displayed a special talent for blending artistic ability with technical design. As a teenager, he won national honors in a General Motors automobile design competition three years in a row (1958–1960), foreshadowing his future as an architectural illustrator. For over thirty years, he thrived as a professional artist, building a respected business (Architectural Presentations) and using his talents to aid churches across North Carolina with the design of many new sanctuaries, buildings, and renovations (Church Planning Consultants).

Bill's selflessness also extended to patriotic service in the U.S. Army Reserves and the North Carolina National Guard. After 20 years, he retired with honors as a Sergeant First Class (SFC).

Above all, Bill's life was transformed by the love of Jesus. He began following Christ in his teens, and the rest of his days were marked by living for God, studying the Word, selflessly serving the Body of Christ, and sharing the Gospel with others. Since 1972, Bill and Pat have been faithful members of Beacon Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC (formerly First Free Will Baptist Church). Throughout his 53 years of membership, he served as a deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, usher, bus captain, and children's church pastor. He was always ready with a warm welcome, an encouraging word, a nugget of wisdom, a promise of prayer, a helping hand, and a friendly smile.

Bill Wisely now rests in the arms of the Savior he loved and served so well. His absence will be deeply felt, but his example and legacy of love, faith, and service will live on.

"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." Matthew 25:23

Preceded in death by his father, William Wisely; mother, Mabel Wisely; brothers, Raymond (Mary Lee) Wisely and Kenneth (Faye) Wisely; and great-grandson, Mason Farley.

Survived by wife, Patricia, and children, Kris (Sam) Harris, Kim (David) Armstrong, and Jonathan (Gina) Wisely; grandchildren, Samuel (Carrie) Harris III, Patti Jo Harris, George Armstrong, William (Felicity) Armstrong, Naomi Armstrong, Nicholas Wisely, Emma Wisely, and Benjamin Wisely; and great-grandchild, Samuel Harris IV.

Flowers are welcome, or donations may be sent to Beacon Baptist Church for the renovation project of the Cox Chapel, a place filled with wonderful memories for both Bill and Pat.