Walter Thomas Wise

Walter Thomas Wise, 84, of Valdese, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday January 28, 2026 at his home following a period of declining health.

Walter was born on December 15, 1941 in Catawba County, to the late Jerry Wise and Ola Street Wise. Walter dedicated many years of his life as a valued fixer with Alba-Waldensian, where his skill and diligence were greatly appreciated. A longtime member of Abee’s Grove Baptist Church, his commitment to his faith and the Lord shone brightly through his actions and commitment to his family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter Donna Wise Poteat; his grandson, Samuel Herman; and his siblings, James Wise, Leonard Wise, Colon Wise, Gladys Ernest, Dolly Nichols and Louise Wise.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary Bryant Wise of the home; his children, Melissa Herman and husband Bill of Claremont, Jennifer Williams and husband James of Brevard, and Becky Rogers and husband Tom of Willow Spring; his brothers, Daniel Wise and wife Lucy of Statesville and Bob Wise and partner Susan of Vale; his sister, Maxine Morrison of Vale; his grandchildren, Jacob Herman, Logan Williams and wife Lindsay, Tom Rogers III, Jack Rogers and Adam Rogers; also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Cayden Williams, Chloe Williams and Carter Williams.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday January 30, 2026 in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese, with Rev. Marvin Wiley officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 2:00-3:00 P.M., one hour prior to the service, at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hosptial, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Wise family.