Donald Grover "Don" Wise, age 81, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away at his home on Friday, March 1, 2024. Born in Westerly, RI, Don attended Westerly High School and was inducted into WHS Music Hall of Fame (Class of 1960) in 2021. He attended Cameron University and was a member of the marching band. Don was also a member of the Army Band in the United States Army. Subsequently he became a professional tenor saxophone musician for 50 years.
A natural in any style of music, Don was given the 1980 trophy for Outstanding Sax Player of the Year from the Oklahoma Country Music Association. He toured the US and abroad with several bands, working with Delbert McClinton for 23 years. He received a nomination and a Grammy for his work on 2 CDs with Delbert and the band.
Don released 4 CDs of his own. He was recognized for one of those with the 2002 Instrumentalist "Cammy" at the Carolina Beach Music Awards. One of his coolest gigs was when Don Wise soloed for Ray Charles' performance on the ESPY Awards national television show. Many of Don's memorable performances are preserved on YouTube. After retiring from the road in 2008, he pursued his passions for cooking, gardening, and art.
He is preceded in death by father George Wise, Jr.; mother Thelma Spencer Wise; and sister Susan Wise.
Don is survived by his lovely wife of 33 years, Pamela Smith Wise, of Knoxville, TN; children: Don Wise, Jr. (Rachel) of Lawton, OK; George Wise of Nashville, TN; Michelle Wise (Bill Frye) of Canton, GA; Jason Wise of Lawton, OK; 12 grandchildren; one great grandchild and one due in March.
Don was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Great Smoky Mountain Emmaus Community.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Don will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 from noon until
2:00 PM at Bearden Banquet Hall, 5806 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37901. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seymour Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 241, Seymour, TN 37865, the Joy of Music School, 1209 Euclid Avenue NW #1, Knoxville, TN 37921 or to a charity of your choice. The family invites friends to sign the online guestbook and share fond memories of Don at www.berryfuneralhome.com
DONS
Seymour Volunteer Fire Dept. P.O. Box 241, Seymour, TN 37865
Joy of Music School1209 Euclid Avenue NW #1, Knoxville, TN 37921
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