Richard Wiseman

Richard Charles Wiseman, 69, affectionately known as “Pop,” entered the presence of his Heavenly Father on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Hospice Home Care’s Comfort Care Center. Richard was born on April 16, 1957, in Conway, Arkansas, to the late John and Georgiana Wiseman, and grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Music was the soundtrack of Richard’s life. His passion began at an early age while attending Lakewood Junior High School and Northeast High School, where he earned All-Region and All-State honors playing the bassoon and saxophone. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in music education from Arkansas Tech University and later completed a master's degree in educational administration at the University of Arkansas.

Throughout his life, Richard shared his remarkable musical gifts across Arkansas and beyond. He performed at venues and events including The Vapors in Hot Springs, the Miss Arkansas Pageant, and with the Arkansas Symphony, while also playing with numerous bands and musicians from across the country. Although he could play almost any instrument he picked up, his greatest passion and mastery were the woodwind instruments.

Richard found immense joy in teaching. Whether in a classroom or during private lessons, he inspired students of every age, sharing not only his knowledge but also his genuine love of music. Many of his students carried that passion with them long after their lessons ended.

Richard began his career as a band director with the North Little Rock School District before continuing his teaching career with the Fayetteville School District, where he eventually retired. During his professional journey, he also spent several years helping educators and medical professionals prepare for retirement through VALIC and later served clients as an insurance broker with Farm Bureau and MetLife.

Beyond music, Richard loved spending time sailing, fishing, and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks. For many years, he proudly served as the unofficial “Suite Manager” for family and friends, making every Razorback football game memorable with his humor, hospitality, and unwavering enthusiasm—whether the Hogs won or lost.

Of all his accomplishments, Richard was proudest of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Ginny Wiseman; his children, Erin Cassinelli (Joe Holland) and Ross Wiseman (Rachel Chapman); and the lights of his life, his cherished granddaughters, Evy and Romy Holland. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Ann Askew (C.E.) and Linda Sue Sanders (Shawn Patterson); his sister-in-law, Ruth Gaines; his brothers-in-law, Charles Gaines and Roy Gaines; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former students, and fellow musicians whose lives he touched.

Richard will be remembered for his quick wit, generous heart, unwavering devotion to his family, and the extraordinary gift of music that enriched the lives of so many. His legacy lives on in every student he inspired, every note he played, and every life he touched.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Arkansas Hospice, Hospice Home Care’s Comfort Care Center, and the dedicated physicians and nurses at CARTI for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they provided during Richard’s final journey.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas, with a reception immediately following. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service. A private family burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ruth and Raymond Brandon Scholarship Fund through the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association, the Ron Bryant Scholarship Fund at NLR High School, or the Arkansas Symphony.