Larry was preceded in death by his parents Orville (Bill) Wise and Mable Irene (Stratton) Wise, his brother and sister-in-law Ron (Irene) Wise, his son Ronald (Punky) Wise, and his grandson Matthew Freer.
Larry is survived by his wife Shirley (Dallas) Wise of 64 years, his Children Cindy (Keven) Conley and Melinda (Buddy) Vanatta and the following grandchildren and great grandchildren: Ashley Stark: Liam Stark and Kash Stark; Samantha (Gerald) Austin: Kaliya Austin, Gerald Jr Austin, Aniyah Austin, Aria Austin; Michael (Jessica) Wise: Jaceylnne Wise, Paisley Wise, Stetson Wise; Larry (Tasha) Freer Davis: Jacyln Davis, Harper Davis, Weston Davis; Bethany Freer; Jessica Conley; Damien (Bailey) Gerber: Ryker Gerber; Dulcie (Ricky) Gerber Clark: Abby Clark, Eliza Clark; Destiney Purcell: Nevaeh Vanetta, Cierra Newell, Hazel Newell, Maddie Adamson; John David Vanatta.
Larry is also survived by Monte and Debra Kleine, eight nieces and nephews and a host of Brothers and Sisters from the church and truly great friends from the community.
When Larry and Shirley were married in 1962, he was a carpenter in Denver, Colorado. Six months later he began his trucking career. They moved from Colorado to Kansas, Texas and finally settled in Nebraska where they raised their children. Larry and Shirley had three children born and raised in the Midwest. Larry was a member of Friend Christian Assembly in Nebraska and was baptized there. During his career as an owner-operator of semis he traveled in all of the continental states and Canada.
In 2001, Larry and Shirley moved to Tennessee. They settled in the Gassaway community and were members of Sycamore Baptist Church. They lived in Gassaway for 24 years, were members of Sycamore for 20 years and Larry was a Deacon there for 15 years. He loved helping with church activities, especially Bible School. They loved being a part of the Gassaway community and were King and Queen for the parade in 2025.
Larry dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Larry and Shirley moved to Manchester in 2025. Larry was frequently seen at Hardees for a chicken biscuit. Larry passed away in his home in Manchester with his family, friends, and Caris Hospice staff. If you had a chance to sit down and talk to Larry, he would tell you that his faith was the most important part of his life – Larry loved the Lord. Larry’s favorite verse was John 3:16 – because we have all fallen short and we all have a path thru grace back to God.
The Wise family will receive friends Friday, July 31, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M and Saturday, August 1, 2026 beginning at 12:00 Noon. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Richard Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Salem cemetery.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net