Norman Wise
Norman Wise at 89, a resident of Sherman Texas since 2004 passed away Monday, August 26, 2013, at his home after a brief illness.
He was born in Shelby, Mississippi on July 1, 1924, to Alice and Godfrey Wise, and he grew up in the care of his mother and two older brothers, Tom and Louis. His earliest memories were of farm life in pre-depression Mississippi.
Norman, “Pop” to many who loved him, moved to several states as the job called: Florida, Washington, Alabama, Mississippi, West Virginia, Louisiana and Arkansas. After service in the Army Air Corp, Norman attended Mississippi State College, graduating with degrees in mechanical engineering and aeronautical engineering. While at college he met Carolyn Smith, then attending Mississippi State College for Women. They married in June 1949, and together raised 3 children: Alan, Kenneth and Brenda.
It was while serving in the Army Air Corp that he became fascinated by the airplanes made by the Boeing Company and decided to study engineering and work there. He worked for Boeing for 37 years, including the early space industry. Despite frequent relocations, Norman served the community at large remaining active in churches and as Scout Master for Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops in Washington State and Alabama. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas.
After retiring from Boeing in Renton, Washington, he relocated to Sherman, Texas, continuing to apply his engineering talents to many home repair challenges and innovative woodworking projects.
He is survived by his spouse, Carolyn (Smith) Wise of Sherman, Texas; three children and spouses: Alan Wise and wife Janice Irving Wise, Kenneth Wise and wife Patricia Strahan Wise, Brenda Garver; four grandchildren: Jenifer Graham, Caroline Wise, Kathryn Wise and Scott Garver; and three great-grand children: Matthew, Lauren and Emily. Norman is also survived by Tidbit, chief regulator of household activities and the boss of the other two cats Jessie and Smidgin. A man of deep faith and extraordinary intelligence and curiosity, he is missed by all those touched with his grace, attention, spirit and endless enjoyment of life.
Norman had a heart for our disabled and injured veterans. He supported the Disabled American Veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project along with many other charities. The family thanks the Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin counties for their kind care and support of Norman and family in his last days.
