Edward Jean Wise, Jr., 65, of Americus, died Monday, January 08, 2018 at Willson Hospice House in Albany. He was born January 6, 1953 to the late Edward Jean Wise, Sr. and Cornelia Chappell Wise. Services will be private. Mickey Wise knew how to have a good time. He mixed good times -- like jazz riffs played by his favorite performers - with hard work. He wasn't shy about speaking his mind, and there was no use correcting him on his opinions and attitudes. And just as easily as he shared his opinions, he shared what he loved - the thrill of the hunt, the companionship of worthy friends, the products of his garden and the game on his land. It was the land he loved the most, his family heritage, and he would dignify that heritage with everything in him. He cherished the land as a young man because he worked it shoulder to shoulder with his father. They planted the trees on Wise Old Pine Plantation which year after year raised its value, wove its charm, and shaded paths that led to quiet sanctuaries for creature and soul alike. Trees, planted one by one, hands tucking in seedlings that were watched over, their thriving coveted and loved more than profit or social status. The land clung close to Mickey Wise and his husbanding of it kept him rooted in skills most others have long abandoned for the quicker and easier way of gathering provender for their families. His handcrafted smokehouse transformed rendered meat into unrivaled prosciutto and his many varieties of sausage seasoned with a bouquet of "Herbs de Mickey" from his garden left everyone admitting they couldn't share and share alike. When he felt challenged or put upon, he had his churlish and sullen moments. He was not one to be dictated to. But among his trees, while making his rounds to fill water troughs, leaving corn, watching a Gopher tortoise make its way from one burrow to another, halting everything -- even his breath -- when he spotted a deer, the gentle, reverent Mickey Wise held sway. That Mickey Wise is the faithful steward of Wise Old Pine Plantation who has been embraced in the arms of Grace. That is the spirit that hallows the land and which will continue into future generations. -Gabriele U. Stauf He is survived by his wife, Connie Caruthers Wise of Americus; a son and daughter-in-law, Rhett and Kristin Caruthers of Oxford, FL; and four grandchildren: Jayden Young, Lahela Young, Audrey Caruthers, and Thomas Preston Caruthers III. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following: U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, 801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229; Family Radio, 88.7 FM- Americus, GA, P.O. Box 2140, Oakland CA 94621; or to the Kappa Sigma Kappa Kappa Alumni Association, House Repair Fund, P.O. Box 1024, Americus, Ga 31709. Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of these arrangements.

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