W. Darr Wise, of Newberry, SC, passed away Monday, November 22, 2021. Born in 1929 in Newberry, a son of the late G. Herman and Annie Lee Shealy Wise. Professor Wise was a graduate of Brevard College and earned the Bachelor of Music degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. At Florida State University, where he earned the Master of Music Degree, he was elected to the Phi Kapp Phi Honorary Scholastic Fraternity. Additional study was done at Columbia University in New York, where he studied with Thomas Richner. As a high school student, he had studied piano at Newberry College. In 2006, Newberry College awarded him the Honorary Doctor of Music degree. His first position was on the faculty of Andrew College, Cuthbert, GA, where he taught for two years. In 1956 he was called to the Newberry College by Dr. Chris Kauffman and Dr. Milton Moore, where he taught piano and music theory for forty-two years. He was a past president of the South Carolina Music Teachers Association and was a frequent adjudicator for piano competitions throughout South Carolina and Georgia. At his retirement in 1998, a rehearsal hall in the Alumni Music Center on the campus of Newberry College was named in his honor. In 2003, he was awarded THE ORDER OF THE PALMETTO for his contribution to the cultural life of South Carolina and the nation by Governor Mark Sanford. His tenure as Organist/Choirmaster at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Newberry lasted for more than fifty-two years. He was a veteran of the Korean conflict and spent most of his two year service in Worms, Germany. A devout Lutheran, he was delighted to be located in the city where Martin Luther was celebrated, but excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Wise was a great lover of sports and attended all baseball, basketball and football games at Newberry College. He especially loved basketball and baseball and even attended many of the practice sessions. At the conclusion of the 2014 season, the baseball players honored him by presenting him with a special plaque for his support and encouragement throughout the seasons. They also placed a permanent plaque on the seat he always occupied. Although he had received many honors, he was especially proud of this one and liked to show to his friends when they visited him. Professor Wise is survived by two nieces, Angela Brown (Willard) of Rock Hill and Lynn Dilleshaw (Tony) of Greenwood; two nephews, Donald Fulmer, Jr. (Becky) and Richard "Chip" Lominick, III (Sherry) both of Chapin; brother-in-law, Richard Lominick, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. In addition are many former students to whom he was devoted. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, George Herman Wise, Jr., and his sisters, Rebecca Wise Fulmer and Glenda Wise Lominick. Funeral services will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Newberry on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 3 PM by the Rev. Matthew Titus. Interment will be at St. James Lutheran Church. A former student of Professor Wise, Dr. J. Michael Grant of Charlotte, NC will play at the service. There will be no formal visitation but those wishing to stop by and pay their respects to Professor Wise at the funeral home may do so on Saturday from 10 AM to 4PM or Sunday from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. Pallbearers will include: Donald Fulmer, Jr., J. Richard "Chip" Lominick, III, Walton James McLeod,IV, Jaye Ingram, James W. Ingram and Rick Nelson. Honorary Pallbearers will be former students of Professor Wise. The family extends their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Wanda Neese for being a devoted friend and caregiver to Professor Wise. Memorials are suggested to the Newberry College Athletic Department or to the Newberry College Band Department. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.