Larry Junior Wise passed from this world into eternal rest with Jesus Christ his Savior after a worship service at Mount Pisgah Primitive Baptist Church in Duck Hill, Mississippi on August 10, 2024. He was born December 14, 1944, to Avery and Rosalee Wise in Pontotoc, MS. Since his marriage to his beloved wife, Sandra, in 1985, he resided in Randolph, MS.
Larry was raised in a house right beside Bethany Primitive Baptist Church in the Shady Grove community. After attending Bethany Church for his whole life, he was baptized into Bethany Church in 1968. Larry was ordained as a Primitive Baptist minister at Bethany Church in 1976 and labored faithfully in the Lord’s vineyard for 48 years until his death. Elder Wise served several churches in North Mississippi, with 44 years of pastoral care serving his childhood church, Bethany. He first became co-pastor in 1980 and later served as full-time pastor from 1991 until his death. Larry was known for his sharp scriptural mind, as well as being gifted in writing edifying articles. Using this gift, he also served as the editor of Glad Tidings, a monthly Primitive Baptist periodical, from 2000 until his death. He served as a father in the ministry to many other servants of God during his nearly half-century of gospel ministry.
Larry was afflicted with an illness as an early teenager, which severely limited his physical capabilities all throughout his life. Despite these physical limitations, his mind was always very sharp and precise in both his profession and the scriptures. He attended Hurricane High School, but due to his illness, later completed a GED diploma, and then graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Accounting in 1976. He worked in various finance roles throughout his career, most notably as the Business Office Manager for the NMMS Pontotoc Hospital for 15 years. He was admired for his kind and gentle spirit by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandra Wise; 3 sons: Jonathan Wise (Paige) of New Albany, MS, David Wise (Bethany) of Starkville, MS, and Joseph Wise of Randolph, MS; 3 grandsons: Isaac, Eli, and Zachary Wise; and 2 sisters: Bobbie Hale of Hurricane, MS and Bernice Moody of Ingomar, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Avery and Rosalee Wise, and brother-in-laws Eudean Hale and Joe Moody.
Pallbearers will be: Terry Wise, Jerry Wise, Phillip Wise, Stanley Wise, Jr., Gene York, Ronnie Hale, Lewis Clayton, Ronald Quarles, and Jacob Quarles. Honorary pallbearers will be Isaac and Eli Wise.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 5 to 8 PM at Bethany Primitive Baptist Church, located at 4905 Hwy. 346 in Pontotoc, MS. There will be an additional time of visitation beginning at 10 AM on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, with funeral services beginning at 11 AM at Bethany Church. Elder Jerry Wise, Elder Jonathan Wise and Elder David Wise will officiate. Burial will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Primitive Baptist Church. Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
