of Searcy, AR

August 4, 1927 - November 17, 2019

Jack O'Neal Wiseman, 92, went to be with his Lord on November 17, 2019, in his home in Searcy, AR. Jack was born August 4, 1927, in Pineville, AR to James H. Wiseman, Sr. and Ruth Ducker Wiseman. At six months, Jack and the family moved to Kensett, AR, where they attended the Kensett First United Methodist Church. At 16 years old, Jack became a member of the First United Methodist Church of Searcy. Throughout his 75+ years of dedicated membership, Jack worshiped, served on committees, held various offices, and volunteered as an usher, soundboard operator, Cook for Christ, and unofficial taste-tester of anything in the kitchen.

Jack graduated from Searcy High School in 1945 and entered the Navy during WWII, serving on the USS Iowa in Japan. During his Navy service, Jack received the Victory Medal and the Navy Theatre Medal. After returning home, Jack enrolled at Harding College and completed his civil engineering degree at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville in 1950. On September 22, 1950, Jack married Sue B. Wilkerson, and the couple resided in Searcy where they raised their children; Daniel, Clark, Ann, and Sarah.

The Wiseman family spent many days at Eden Isle on Greers Ferry Lake, staying at their lake house, swimming, teaching the kids and their friends to ski, and boating to Fairfield Bay, especially for the Fourth of July fireworks. Jack and Sue were also avid travelers, spending a significant amount of time in their RV touring the country. Throughout his life, Jack spent nearly every morning (except Sunday) at the coffee shop, catching up on the latest news of Searcy and building relationships that lasted a lifetime.

Jack had a passion for family, church, and community. Everything he did came from a heart of service to others. His encouraging spirit and willingness to always lend a helping hand richly impacted all those who knew and loved him.

Jack was the owner and manager of the Wood Freeman Lumber Company for 38 years, a company started by his father. Jack served as a certified volunteer firefighter of 21 years and inspected homes in Arkansas for 25 years. He was a founding member of the White County Mounted Patrol, served as a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol, was a member of the White County Fair Board, Searcy Lions Club, Master Mason, Shriner, White County Homebuilders Association, Mid America Lumbermens Association, Arkansas Municipal League Insurance Board, honorary member of Searcy Junior Auxillary, and numerous city committees. Jack also served as an alderman for many years and Searcy mayor for 8 years.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Wiseman and Ruth D. Wiseman, his wife, Sue B. Wiseman, his brother, James H. Wiseman, Jr., son, James Clark Wiseman, and many friends.

Jack is survived by his son, Daniel O. Wiseman (Linda) of Searcy, daughters Ann Wiseman of North Little Rock and Sarah Wiseman-Ford (David) of Searcy, three granddaughters, Ashlee Rowland (William) of Watauga, TX; Lauren Schrepfer (Blake) of Searcy; and Eden Sherman (Daryle) of Searcy, one grandson, Matthew Wiseman of Searcy, 6 great-granddaughters, Ivy Jane Rowland; Emelia Schrepfer; Susanna Schrepfer; Hannah Sherman; Bailey Sherman; and Leah Sherman, two nieces, Cynthia Miller (Gene) of Lindale, TX and Carrie Davis (Jeff) of Oak Harbor, WA, one great-nephew, Christopher Davis (Audrey) of Corpus Christi, TX, one great-great-nephew, James Davis, and a host of friends, church family, and relatives.

A memorial service celebrating Jack's life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Searcy at 304 North Main Street at 3:00pm on Saturday, November 23. Visitation will begin at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Searcy First United Methodist Church.

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