Walter Bascum Wise

Walter Bascum Wise, 89, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on May 13, 2025, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. A lifelong Knoxvillian, Walter was a faithful Christian, a devoted family man, a respected businessman, and a man of deep wit, style, and generosity.

Born January 15, 1936, in Knoxville, Walter graduated from East High School and began his college education at the University of Tennessee. When his father passed away unexpectedly, Walter took over the family business, O.B. Wise Co., a steel fabrication company. He soon struck out on his own, founding Wise Iron Works on Ebenezer Road.

Wise Iron Works went on to build between 300 and 400 bridges throughout the South’s rapidly growing interstate highway system, as well as key structures such as the City County Building in Knoxville and the observation tower at Clingmans Dome. After selling the company in 1977, Walter turned his focus to property development, creating the MidPark office park—recognized for its concrete tilt-up construction—and later transforming the old Cherokee Mills factory into Cherokee Place, an award-winning multi-use property. He developed many other structures in the region.

Walter was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Nina Waldroup Wise and his parents, Maude Neas and Oscar Bascum (O.B.) Wise. He is survived by his four children: Janet Wise, Steve Wise (Joanna), Mark Wise, and Wendy Ryan (Dinny); and by his grandchildren: Margot Lockridge Schmidt (Alex), Kate Lockridge (Johnny Khabushani), Aubrey Wise, Ruby Wise, Natalie Wise, Kristie Wise, Scout Ryan, Erin Ryan, and Jack Ryan. He also leaves behind his dear friend and companion, Sandra (Sandy) Smith, and a beloved cousin, Shirley Visconage.

A man of deep faith, Walter was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church (now First Church Knox) and a lifelong student of the Bible. He taught adult Sunday School for most of his life, living in quiet yet unwavering devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

He was known not only for his faith and work ethic, but also for his big-hearted nature and endless sense of fun. In his younger years, he delighted in teaching neighborhood children to waterski, ride bikes, and snow-ski. He loved opera, history, and global travel—never losing his hunger to see the world. Just a week before his death, he completed two weeks in Italy with Sandy and close friends Bill and Jeanne Tapp.

Walter was a two-time cancer survivor and never slowed down, continuing to work daily well into his late 80s. In fact, his passing came just days after he missed work for the first time in years. Diagnosed with sepsis on Tuesday, he passed peacefully that same day.

Even as his hearing diminished, Walter refused hearing aids—insisting he already heard all he wanted to hear. He was known for his dapper style, rarely seen without one of his signature hats. He brought joy to his family through simple, thoughtful acts: fresh flowers delivered regularly to his adult children, and the people he loved, booming laughter, practical jokes, and endless generosity. He always had time to listen—and in return, he asked only for “a few kind words” and a good cigar.

Receiving of family and friends for Walter will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 12:00pm with a funeral service at 2pm at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike. A graveside service will follow at 3pm at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Hoof and Harness (HoofandHarness.org), in honor of Walter’s life and legacy.