Sammy Parker Wiseman

Mr. Sammy Parker Wiseman, 62, of Morganton; sports enthusiast, lover of all things Gamecock and Demon Deacon related, legendary party-animal, the silliest of jokers, and complete overindulger of his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews passed away, Friday, January 24, 2014, at his residence. Born July 13, 1951, in Catawba County, he was a son of the late Gilbert William Wiseman and Dorothy Mae Weatherman Wiseman. Mr. Wiseman served as the Director of Burke County Parks and Recreation for over 17 years.

Sammy’s hobbies included obsessing and bragging about his son and daughter, drinking Coors Light, flirting with the nurses at Grace Hospital and making people laugh. He especially enjoyed kids, ridiculous pranks and telling constant poop and pull-my-finger jokes, usually at very inappropriate times. Growing up with Sammy, whether he was your father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, or coach was simply amazing! He could even make a trip to the grocery store a game, a game which usually included stealing grapes (“to ensure they were fit for human consumption”), rides in the grocery buggy (which often led to running over a display or two), and “going for a Hail Mary” and catching a role of paper towels at the end of the aisle.

Following nearly two decades of working with little-league sports, he took up roofing with his son, Shawn. However, he confessed that his role was more the “public relations man” since he spent a lot more time on the ground chatting up homeowners whilst Shawn did the roofing.

Through his daughter he caught the travel-bug and became a dedicated and loyal fan of Wake Forest University and the University of South Carolina. In fact, he found it absolutely hilarious to tell people that he was a “DemonCock.”

Sammy was legendary for his dedication to little league sports and being the life of every party. The only thing bigger than his infectious smile and jolly personality, was his heart. The most loving, selfless man I have ever met, he will be sorely missed by all whose presence he graced. Here’s to you Sammy Parker Wiseman, we celebrate your carpe-diem attitude and awesomeness and hope that your memory will remain with us always and remind us to be the best people we can possibly be.

Mr. Wiseman will be lovingly remembered by a son, Shawn Wiseman & wife, Karen, of Marion;

A daughter, Jessica Marie Wiseman Kettl, of Morganton;

Two brothers, Reverend Robert Wiseman & wife, Lynda, of Morganton and Danny Wiseman & wife, Vicki, of Morganton;

Shirley Short, of Morganton and Donna Wiseman, of Hickory;

One granddaughter, Alexis Wiseman, of Marion will also lovingly remember him.

Funeral Services for Mr. Wiseman will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at the Jonas Ridge Methodist Church with the Reverend Robert Wiseman officiating. Interment will follow at the Jonas Ridge Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Tuesday, January 30, 2014, at Kirksey Funeral Home, Morganton. Flowers are accepted and appreciated, those desiring to make memorial in Mr. Wiseman’s memory may do so to the charity of one’s choice.

Kirksey Funeral Home, Morganton, have the honor of serving the Wiseman family. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.kirkseymorganton.com