After living a blessed life with family and friends, Sally Ruff Wiseman, wife of Dr. James Edgar Wiseman, departed her earthly life on August 18, 2026. She was born in Columbia, SC, on September 3, 1934, the daughter of the late Lillian Stackhouse Ruff and Jesse Delleney Ruff. Sally attended Converse College and was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. At USC, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and was secretary of the Junior Class.

Sally and Jim were married in 1955 and moved to Louisville, Kentucky, while Jim attended the University of Louisville Dental School. She taught school in the Louisville School System. Upon Jim’s graduation, they moved to Newberry, South Carolina and resided there for 40 years. Sally was happy to be able to stay at home with their 4 active boys. She and Jim enjoyed being involved with all the boys’ school, sports, and Boy Scout activities. For Christmas dinner, Sally always invited their parents and her brother and sister and their families to be part of the festivities. Sally truly loved those times when her family could be together. Jim said when she extended an invitation, it was “A Command Performance.”

Sally was very active in the Newberry community, volunteering on a number of projects. Sally was a Charter Member of the Newberry Opera House Guild and remained active in the Guild until she moved to Columbia. She also took great delight in preparing and delivering Meals on Wheels to members of the community in need for more than 35 years with a special friend.

Two of Sally’s many passions were playing tennis and bridge with very good friends. She was a member of the “Rusty Racquets” tennis team which traveled to California in 2010 to participate in the USTA National League Championships.

While living in Newberry, Sally and Jim were members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where Sally served on the Vestry, Altar Guild, and as Junior Warden. After moving to Columbia, Sally attended All Souls Anglican Church and Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Still Hopes.

Sally and Jim enjoyed traveling especially their trips to France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Canada and the Mediterranean Islands. Their last trip overseas together was a delightful trip to Ireland with their sons, their sons’ wives and 3 grandchildren.

Sally is survived by her husband, Dr. James E. Wiseman; her sons (and their wives), James E. Wiseman, III (Beth), William D. Wiseman (Minge), David W. Wiseman (Vickie), and John D. Wiseman (Kelly); her grandchildren (and spouses), Lane Wiseman, James “Jimmy” Wiseman IV (Sarah), Ashley Wiseman Morris (Wayne), William “Dubby” Wiseman, Peyton Wiseman Matthews (Johnnie), Kathryne Wiseman, Sally Wiseman Groce (Drew), John “Jack” Wiseman, and Anna Wiseman; and her great-grandchildren, Sophie Sweatman, Steven Morris, Sarah Morris, James “Cinco” Wiseman V, Thomas Groce V, and Miller Groce.

Memorial Service will be held 3:00 PM, Sunday, August 23, 2026, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Officiated by Father Joshua Fink.

The family will gather with friends following the service at the Newberry Opera House, beginning at 4:00PM until 6:00 PM.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Newberry Opera House Foundation, 1201 McKibben Street, Newberry, SC 29108; or by going to their website: www.newberryoperahouse.com

Memories and condolences can be shared here on her tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sally Wiseman.