rickey@rickeystokesnews.com

Text Rickey: 334-790-1729

Hayes Funeral Home

431 E. Davis Street

Elba, Alabama 36323

334-897-2225

     Robert Larry Wise, age 81, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Noland Hospital in Dothan. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Dothan on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM with Rev. Bob Gross officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 PM in the Pine Level Cemetery under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

     Larry was a 1961 graduate of Elba High School. He attended the University of Alabama and later completed his undergraduate degree at Troy State University. He continued his education at Auburn University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Larry’s distinguished career included service as an Aerospace Engineer with NASA before returning home to work at Ft. Rucker, where he remained until his retirement.

     Deeply connected to his family’s heritage, Larry was active in the operation of the family Christmas tree farm and later expanded the business by establishing a Fraser Fir farm in North Carolina. He enjoyed sports throughout his life and was an enthusiastic supporter of the “Crimson Tide.” Saltwater fishing was another pastime he loved and shared with family and friends.

     Mr. Wise is survived by his wife, Judy Bailey Wise of Dothan, AL; daughter, Kim Wise of Birmingham, AL; son, Kyle (Rina) Wise of Atlanta, GA; and two grandchildren, Charlie Wise and Olivia Wise, both of Atlanta, GA.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Olene Spurlin Wise and Jack Cleveland Wise, along with his siblings, Roger Wise, Kaye Wise, and Faye Wise.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama, is serving the Wise family.