Arnold Eugene Wise

Wise, Arnold Eugene (Gene) was born June 23, 1925 in Atlanta, GA to Arnold A. and Pellie Doyal Wise. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Ernestine, and his wife, June Glenn Wise. Gene was the oldest of eight children and is survived by three brothers, Robert Wise (Brenda), Floyd Wise (Audrey) and Calvin Wise; and three sisters, Wyolene Richardson, Meriam Wood (Don) and Mary Hellen Burdett. Gene started working as a civilian records clerk at Fort McPherson while still in high school. He enlisted in the army on July 15th, 1943. He served as an infantryman in Company L of the 94th Infantry Division. The “Fighting 94th” landed at Utah beach on D plus 94 (September 8, 1944) and fought their way to the Rhine. Gene was awarded multiple “Purple Hearts” and a Bronze Star for his time in combat. After separation from the army, Gene returned to Atlanta and entered Georgia Tech in Industrial Engineering – graduating 30 months later in the class of 1949. Gene worked in the building products industry and as a general contractor before becoming a commercial real estate broker in the 1980’s. Outside of work, Gene was an active member of the DeKalb Republican Party and involved in many forms of community affairs. He was a long-time contributor and staff member of the Smoke Rise Community newspaper – The Smoke Signal. He was a member of the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School class of the Tucker United Methodist Church for more than 40 years. Gene was heavily involved in the 94th Infantry veterans association and helped lead the effort to create the 94th Infantry Historical Society for offspring of the WW2 veterans who wish to carry on the memory of 94th. Gene will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by son, William J. Wise (Jeanne) and daughter, Anne W. Fuller (Doug); grandchildren, Jonathan Wise (Jen), Stephan Wise (Courtney) and Robert Fuller; and great-grandchildren, Ellington Wise, Brecken Wise, Caroline Wise and Genevieve Wise. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 13th at 2 pm at the Tucker Methodist Church. A visitation with the immediate family is scheduled at Floral Hills funeral home in Tucker on Friday April 12th from 6 to 8 p.m. Gene’s ashes will be buried with his beloved wife June (who died in 1989) in Greenville, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 94th Infantry Historical Society c/o Harry Helms Secretary/Treasurer, 609 Dogwood Drive Downington, PA 19335-3907.