William T. Wise

On September 14, 2017, William T. Wise, a true gentleman and scholar, returned home to God. Waiting for him there are Quinn, Mala, and Kathy. He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, as well as Virginia, Noel, and many dear friends. Bill was born to Louis H. Wise and Wilhelmina McCausland on August 06, 1925, in the tiny town of Boyce, Louisiana. He lost his mother at age 3 and was raised by his Aunt Minnie McCausland Perkins in Baton Rouge, although he returned each summer to visit his brother Louis and his sister, Robbie at the family farm. Books were one of Bill's passions; his reading ranged from poetry to the classics, from biographies to philosophy, and everything in between. His Aunt Minnie had this same love of the written word and left Bill her extensive library, which he generously donated to his beloved alma mater, Louisiana State University. Later, Bill began his own collection of rare first editions from hundreds of authors, including his favorites—Leo Tolstoy and C.S. Lewis. With his enjoyment of reading, his drive to learn new ideas, and his innate belief in living with honor and integrity, it is no surprise that Bill found another passion in study and practice of law. Bill would tell you he loved law school, the books, the study, the principles… and the law loved him right back. He was unanimously voted Chief Justice of Honor Court by the Student Council at LSU. After graduation, he took a job with a law firm in Baton Rouge. He was recruited by Shell Oil in New Orleans and worked his way up to the senior management team, acting as General Counsel and Vice President for the company. His advice was so respected, the retired Chairman of Shell told a mutual friend that Bill was "a man I admire and trust; in fact, I would never take any recommendation to the Shell Board until I discussed it thoroughly with Bill Wise and knew that he approved." Bill was an independent thinker who forged his own path, whether that be riding his Shetland pony through his father's house at age 3 or leaving home at 17 to join the merchant marine and later the army to fight in WWII. Soft-spoken and kind, Bill had a gentle strength and quiet determination that served him well throughout his life. He knew no fear in the pursuit of his dreams. A humble man, he spoke of arguing cases in front of the United States Supreme Court as "no big deal" then stopped himself, saying instead, "it was a big deal, but it was just like any other courtroom." It's no wonder that Frazer Hiller, retired General Counsel of GM noted that Bill, a fellow member of the Association of General Counsel, was "well known and highly respected by the members of that prestigious organization." Had Bill not chosen the law, he could have just as easily become a Michelin star chef and restaurateur. Acknowledged as one of Sarasota's most gracious hosts, the Wise's annual gumbo fest was legendary. Bill could turn simple ingredients into magical culinary masterpieces. Bill cooked as he lived, with passion and with love—for his family, his friends, his community, and most of all, his beautiful and loving wife forever and ever, Margaret. One of Bill's favorite authors, Tolstoy, wrote: "All people live, not by reason of any care they have for themselves, but by the love for them that is in other people." A memorial service for Bill will be held at 11:00 AM on October 24, 2017 at First Baptist Church, 1661 Main Street in Sarasota. Memorial contributions may be made to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in memory of William T. Wise.

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William T. Wise

August 6, 1925 - September 14, 2017