Many years ago I heard the "Live from Austin" CD by Delbert. The saxophone solos caught my attention real fast. Awesome musician! I contacted Don about including his solos from that CD on my CD/book the would be published titled "Contemporary Saxophone". Don got permission from Delbert to use the solos (and the live band sounds) on my CD/book. I would later meet Don and attended three of their concerts in Atlanta. Memories that mean so much to me. Thanks so much Don Wise!

Saddened by the death of old friend, gentleman and great tenor player...we played in the same period in R.I. different bands...may God rest your Soul my Brother

Today, I would like to celebrate my dad. He was born March 24, 1942, in Westerly (White Rock), Rhode Island. He came from humble beginnings…and yet when he grew up, he traveled the world. Anyone who knew him could tell how gifted and talented he was…people would come from all over just to hear him play the saxophone. He was clever, my dad. He could tell a story, that painted a picture in your mind’s eye, and you would feel like you were actually there, in whatever adventure or mischief he was describing. My father was quiet, and honestly kind of shy, (which is weird for a guy who made his living on stage), and he was only gregarious with people he liked and felt comfortable with. He was so creative…he could cook the most delicious meals, he painted gorgeously, colorful scenes, and he put into words, witty, funny, and sometimes scathing paragraphs. My dad had a way of making you feel like you were part of his club…that his attention towards you meant that you were just as humorous, intelligent, and amazing as he was. People gravitated to him, because he just had a good energy about him that made you feel calm and relaxed…and you knew if he was there, a good time was about to happen. My dad was bigger than life…I guess that is why I miss him so much. So, on this day, in celebration of my father’s birthday, I hope that his friends and family around the world will take just a moment out of there day to remember him…happy thoughts, precious memories and special moments spent laughing with my dad. Today on his birthday, I would like us all to celebrate his life. Happy Birthday Dad…I miss you every day, but especially today.

Don was my late husband, Dan Crowley"s best friend growing up in White Rock, Westerly. They remained friends throughout the years.
Dan had fond memories of Donnie playing the saxophone out the window of his house  as they lived very close to each other as children.
Whenever Don was playing nearby, in Matunuck, Westerly, or at FOXWOODS, Dan & I would go to meet up with him & listen to his extraordinary sax playing. The guys shared countless stories & laughs as they reminisced
Don & Pam visited us in Florida & we 4 also met up there after one of his DELBERT cruises.
Both Don & Pam were always supportive after Dan passed 4 years ago.
Hopefully, Dan is showing his old friend around HEAVEN now as their lifetime friendship continues.
May Pam & his children & Family find comfort in their memories of this great person.

There will never be another Don!  We met on a Sandy Beaches Cruise 28 years ago, and saw Don playing with Delbert uncounted times. We used his music on my wife’s website a long time ago, and was he happy that we included a link to his website. 

When Marcia Ball played on UT campus a long time ago I hoped that Don would be there, and of course, he was. 

I still play the solo CD’s that I have and often share the music with folks that didn’t know him. 

You will be missed. Keep the music playing!

“Big Don” my final grandparent and the biggest good timer I’ve ever met. No one lived life to the fullest quite like you. I always enjoyed hearing your stories, listening to old records from the 30s and 40s, and having a drink or two. I’ll also never forget your help getting me to Africa. It was always a great time visiting Knoxville, and I’m really going to miss you. 

I wanted to include a picture from earlier years, this one came from an old photo album. To quote the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “Don Wise will lay some clean, mean sax licks on you.”

Dad's 80th birthday celebration. Dad, Jordan, Taylor, and Me. Picture taken by Pam.

Thank you for your love and support throughout the years. You have been my greatest inspiration.

I met Don in 1974. We were in the Dale McBride band (another great man and music mentor to me). We were room mates for nearly 4 years on the road . We continued to be in music projects off and on for years after that. Don was like my big brother and a huge inspiration. He knew about everything! I learned so much about music and life. What a kind, patient, caring man he was. We had some nice visits with him and his lovely wife Pam these past few years in Knoxville  and I cherish those memories!! I love his family Donny, Michelle, Jason, and George.  I saw them grow up and have special memories of that . God bless them and Pam

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Donald Wise. Donnie and I were good friends in Westerly, RI. We grew up together and had many happy memories of us going to school and after school activities. May GOD bless his wife, children, grandchildren and may GOD give you strength and comfort in knowing that Donnie is with the Lord at this time and playing the sax for the Lord. RIP Donnie, as I will miss you.

Wise Family,

In my Indian world we were told one does not know someone until they have walked in their footsteps. Don and i were cousins who grew up in a small village called White Rock in the town of Westerly. Rhode Island. Don and I truly walked in one another footsteps We attended the same schools, played Little League Baseball, fished and hunted together, gathered wild mushrooms, berries, quahogs and clams together. Our great grandmother seven generations back was Mary "Mollie:"(Niles) Rodman Medicine Women of the Niantic-Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island. We are both from the "Spotted Turtle Clan". I being three years older than Don and most of the kids in the village I was the leader, and most of then followed my footsteps.
Don and I were both US Army Veterans of the Vietnam Era and were both stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma Army Post. 1962-1963.
Don first marriage took place in Texas to Frances, and I was his best man. Both of our parents are buried in the same First Hopkinton Cemetry about 100 feet from one another. My headstone is in place already next to my parents. I recall Don bought his family to my Rhode Island home and we gathered quahogs and claims together. The youngest son Jason who was about 3 or 4 years old at the time said to me I like you, if you every come to my house and you see a little boy playing outside that will be me. I chuckle when I picture him saying that it was several years ago.
Don is gone but not forgotten he left a footprint on Mother Earth for his family and others to follow. Don will never die he will live in the heart of his children, and grandchildren for many years to come.
Where we are now Don was. Where Don is now, we shall be.
I gave Don the Indian name of "Bright Sun" he who shines down on use. When you get up in the morning and see the Sun smile and wave to it, it is Don looking down on us.

Taubotne Manitou,

Chas and I send our condolences to Pam, Michele, Donnie, and families... 💕✝️

Don was a rare talent that the Lord allowed to cross our path to share what seemed a lifetime of great musical experiences in the Warhorse Band.  We had a friendship  beyond the stage and shared many wonderful times together outside of the band, with our young families. 
He was always kind, and wore a sincere smile. 
Our time on earth is short and we will see him again in the Kingdom... 
For now, may our Heavenly Father comfort each of you, his beloved family and many friends, with Comfort, Peace and Strength in the days ahead... In Jesus' name...
Charles & Debbie Eaton

I am deeply saddened about the passing of your beloved husband. I know his presence and talent brought so much joy to you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 

May you find comfort in the cherished moments you shared with Don and in the love and support of those who care for you.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Thea

Very sorry to hear  that  Don Wise passed away!

We were lucky to get to know  Don and his dear wife Pamela,  and  some years  ago they visited us in Bryne Norway   and stayed at our home. We were also lucky to be invited to stay at their home in Knoxville. We have been at several gigs in Norway with Delbert and Don, and also joined the SBC cruices! Our deepest condolences to Pamela and family!  

Hilde and Leif Inge, Bryne Norway.

There are not enough words in the English language to convey how bereft I am. I was not prepared for this inevitable outcome and yet here we are. My final words to you were of love and yours back to me were the same. I will forever be grateful for that. My heart is in a million pieces, and still I know that you have merely changed forms, that you have joined the Creator and are now with our family, the ancestors that have gone on before you. You are surrounded by love and light, and I know your heart is at peace now. I will miss you terribly, every day and I will miss you most when I want to talk to you, and I simply cannot any longer. There will be moments in time when I will feel you with me and hear the echoes of your laughter and I will smile because you were one of a kind Dad! Your wit and humor, your creativity, your ability to mesmerize with a story...I will see flashes of you in my children, and in my grandchildren and I will smile because you have lived on through them. I know eventually the pain will soften and it will morph into something less heart wrenching...the cherishing of your memory and of feeling so very lucky for the time we had together, even though it suddenly feels so very brief. Truthfully, I was so very fortunate that the Creator picked you as my Dad. I love you and I miss you and please, please, please say Hi to Ray Charles for me...because we all know, that is going to be one heck of a jam session, now that you are there!!!

On our way to see James Taylor! Max, Michelle & of course the infamous, Mr. Don Wise. (Unfortunately, Pam & my husband Bill didn't make the photo) The amazing thing about my Dad was his adventurous spirit. We will miss him so very much.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Don Wise

24 mars 1942 – 1 mars 2024

Berry Funeral Home

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