Mack Arthur Wise Sr

Mack Arthur Wise, Sr, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully from natural causes in his home on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, while surrounded by his family. A private graveside service was held for Mack at 2 PM on Friday, February 14th, in Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Ken Jackson and Rev. Brennan Peacock officiating and violinist, Lindsey Vaughn, playing a few of his favorite hymns.

Mack was born to John Bonnie (Papaw) and Lula Jeanette McArthur Wise (MeMaw) in Elba, Alabama on November 21, 1937. He grew up there, alongside his brother John Milton, and was a proud member of the Elba High School Class of 1956. It was at EHS where he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Tulah Dismukes, who he married on May 29, 1960. He was also a star running back on the football team as he and his friend Marlin Dyess or, as they were famously known, "the Touchdown Twins" led their team to championship victories.

After high school, Mack was recruited to join the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. In 1958, while facing off against the LSU Tigers in Mobile, he carried the ball on the very first offensive play Bama ever ran under their soon-to-become legendary coach, Paul "Bear" Bryant. Needless to say, that distinction would make him a local sports hero when he and Tulah moved their young family to Luverne in 1972, and he was always extremely proud of that honor. Mack was also a member of the A-Club during his years at Bama and later joined their alumni association. Though an injury had shortened his playing career there, he remained a lifetime supporter of both the school and football team.

However, that pales in comparison to all Mack did for his new home over his five decades here as beloved members of the community. Not only did he and his brother work together to build up Hick's Sporting Goods as one of the preeminent businesses in Luverne, but he was also instrumental in developing multiple properties in the area to attract businesses like Dollar General, Family Dollar, Factory Connection, and the original Jack's restaurant to town. Mack was one of the founders of Elba Exchange Bank and remained an active board member there for many years. He also served on the administrative boards of both Luverne United Methodist Church and Crenshaw Christian Academy

More importantly, Mack worked behind the scenes to benefit the children of Luverne both at Luverne High School and Crenshaw Christian Academy. To Luverne High School, he generously donated the 40 acres that became the Lady Tigers Softball Complex and a football practice field. There are not many people who can say that they were instrumental in making both schools better places for the our community's children, which speaks volumes about Mack's dedication to enriching their lives no matter where they went to school. Mack knew the importance of being a true asset to his community, and, more importantly, he did it with neither an expectation of nor desire for credit. In fact, many were unaware exactly what all Mack had done over the years for Luverne until the city council issued a resolution on November 14, 2022 which honored him as Citizen of the Year for all of his contributions to our community.

At home, Mack and Tulah prided themselves most on the family they raised together. Their children were, without question, their greatest pride and joy, but the little ones who named their beloved grandfather "Bop" were a special light in his world. He taught everyone in his family the value of hard work and determination. He encouraged them to always do their best in every single one of their endeavors, whether it be education or sports. Mack's favorite hobby was working tirelessly in his beautiful yard on the weekends; taking pride in his yard brought him so much joy and satisfaction. He also loved the Lord with all his heart and soul and often said he could not wait to enter "the Pearly Gates" in Heaven where he could be with Jesus Christ, his family, and friends who had gone before him. He could often be heard singing, "I love my Jesus," while getting ready for the day.

Mack did not, however, want to leave his beloved TuTu. He loved her so deeply as she did him. They had an unbreakable bond in which they devoted their lives to each other and the loving family they had nurtured. Bop will always be remembered lovingly and held closely in his family's hearts.

Mack was preceded in death by his parents, John B. and Lula Jeanette McArthur Wise. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Tulah Dismukes Wise; their children, Lisa (Merrill) Sport, Art (Rose) Wise, and Leigh (Chris) Johnson; grandchildren, Lindsay Sport (Alanna), Megan (Mitch) Florence, Jasmine (Bradley) Dean, Mack (Addison) Wise, Chase (Alex) Johnson, Anna Leigh (Cade) Kilcrease, and Baleigh Johnson; great-grandchildren, Sport, Scottie, and Blakely Florence, Hallie Dean, Margot Kilcrease, and Hazel Wise; brother, John Milton (Lilellen) Wise Sr; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." - ISAIAH 40:31

Active pallbearers were Chase Johnson, Cade Kilcrease, Jack Dillon Hewitt, Bradley Dean, Mitch Florence, and Tom Dixon. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Sport, Martin Dyess, Jim Cook, and Michael E. Jones.

Mack was blessed to have such kind, supportive caregivers: Sarah Ray, Tina Mitchell, Debra Harrell, Linda Johnson, Kierra Thompson, Portia Baugh, Leitha Willis (Duck), Ethyl Dorsey (Big Mama), Dr. Pat Walker, Dr. Clint Kilcrease, and SouthernCare Hospice of Greenville.