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Raymond Austin Wise
Born: 2/8/1939
Died: 4/2/2026
Age: 87
Community: Troy, MI
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Raymond Austin Wise
Raymond Austin Wise, 87, passed away at American House Somerset in Troy, Michigan on April 2, 2026, after battling cancer.
Born on February 8, 1939, in Beckley, West Virginia, Ray was the cherished son of Jacob Raymond and Eleanor Meador Wise. While he only briefly lived in West Virginia before moving to Kentucky and then Michigan, he was proud of his “hillbilly” roots. He loved traveling to West Virginia to visit his extended family and to enjoy beautiful mountain views.
Ray graduated from Berkley High School and attended the University of Michigan and Alma College. He was employed by General Motors in Detroit and Flint for 24 years before working as an electronic component sales representative for another 20 years.
Ray found joy in helping others including many of his Indian Hill neighbors in Grand Blanc and Lake Shinanguag neighbors in Goodrich. He played numerous sports including tennis, basketball, racquetball, hockey, softball, water skiing, cross country skiing, and golf. He was especially proud of his three holes-in-one! Sports were a family affair involving earnest yet fun competition. He was often the organizer of community sports teams and leagues.
Ray spent countless hours volunteering for Grand Blanc Community Schools. As chairman of the annual High School Pride Day, he organized students and parents to complete an ambitious five-year campus landscape project developed by a professional architect. He was heavily involved in the Grand Blanc Athletic Boosters and helped with fundraising activities for new tennis courts. In retirement, Ray was a longtime volunteer at Genesys Hospital, where he drove the courtesy shuttle in the parking lot. He also enjoyed volunteering for Flint Junior Golf, one of the oldest and largest organizations dedicated to developing young golfers ages 8-18.
Ray’s many gifts to his family include unconditional love, a “can-do” spirit, and a love for music. He adored his grandchildren and rarely missed attending their many sporting events and concerts.
Ray was preceded in death only four months ago by his beloved wife of 65 years, Judy, who he regularly referred to as “the love of my life”. Ray is survived by his daughters Wendy (Bill) White and Jenifer (Mike) Elinski; grandchildren Brian White (Mackenzie Collins), Kristin (Jim) Sandberg, Bradley (Danielle) White, Eric Elinski, Lisa White (fiancé Will Sheehy), and Mark Elinski; great grandchildren Peyton, Oliver, Matthew, Theodore, Colin and Jack; and sister-in-law Linda (Tony) Lijoi. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Larry Askew, sister-in-law Sue Askew, and brother-in-law Clarke Hollands.
Ray’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at American House Somerset for their excellent care and for treating him like their “best friend”.
A celebration of life is planned for family. Donations in Ray’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society. |
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4/9/2026 |
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