Harvey Phillip Wise

harvey wise

July 14, 1951 ~ February 4, 2021

Born in: Cameron, Texas
Resided in: Bryan (Smetana), Texas

Harvey Phillip Wise was born on July 14, 1951 in Cameron, Texas to William Jasper Wise and Ruby Elizabeth Hunt. Harvey grew up and attended school in Cameron, Texas. He was heavily involved in rodeo and was a leather smith at Courts Saddlery while also working at Luza Dairy. He met the love of his life, Helen Margaret Cahill, at the Shell station that is now currently the 101 Bar, persuading her to apply the brakes while he checked the taillights of his trailer. She said yes and the rest is history without a faulty brake light in sight. He told his son Harvey Jr years later there was not anything wrong with those taillights.

He and Helen Margaret were married on November 13, 1971 in Bryan, Texas where they raised their three children on Helen’s family farm in Smetana. There Harvey and Helen led their children in an agricultural way of life with a menagerie of farm animals, especially pigs and were heavily involved in Brazos County 4-H as participants and adult leaders and their Smetana Community. During that time, he was a superintendent at R.B. Butler Construction for over fifteen years erecting metal buildings all over the state of Texas. He was known as “Cowboy” for his background as a rodeo bronc rider and working cattle for many ranchers. He was a master carpenter, a master mason, a master blacksmith, and an all-around renaissance man. He liked music, golf, Texas A&M women’s basketball, dancing, and teaching others. When Texas A&M women’s basketball was not playing, he was watching Rudder High School girls basketball. There he became known as “PawPaw” by many of the athletes and their parents, especially Ziggy Richards. He also provided transportation and wisdom and was an example of a lifelong commitment to friendship with anyone no matter age, race, gender, religion, or creed.

When his first grandson was born, Harvey decided he did not want to be called grandpa and papa. Instead, he would be “Paco” like he was called by many of his good friends and workers from his years of construction. He carried that name and was known by many in downtown Bryan and surrounding areas, where he provided many restaurants their farm raised produce, poultry, and eggs. He also served as the president of Brazos Valley Farmers Market helping to begin and grow it to what it is today, setting an example of community service and camaraderie.

Harvey continued learning about many types of artwork or craft. He always wanted to connect himself with his community and his fellow man or woman, always passing on his knowledge gained over many years of experience. He was embraced thoroughly by Helen’s Polish ancestry in Bremond where he learned the Polish language and dancing, and he was a contributing photographer for the Texas Polka News. He attended many Polish dances and traditional holiday events. He never went anywhere where a stranger did not become a friend. He increased his connection with the Lord and became closer with Jesus until his end. If you knew Harvey, you have a Harvey story, a Cowboy story, a PawPaw story, and a Paco story.

Harvey was predeceased in death by his parents, brother Russell Wise, and sister Sharon Harber.

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Cahill Wise, daughter Heather Wise Cross and spouse Jeff Cross of Kempner, daughter Holly Wise Mommaerts and spouse Roger Mommaerts of Buda, son Harvey Wise Jr of Smetana, and six grandchildren: William Cross, Phillip Cross, Elizabeth Cross, Cole Wise, Chloe Wise, and Abigail Mommaerts. He is also survived by his brothers Charles Wise and spouse Tracey of Cameron, Clell Wise and spouse Amy of Bryan, sisters Margie Horton of Humble and Theresa Klecka of Academy, and sister-in-law Beatrice Wise of Rosebud.

A celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you embrace your local charities involving children and community needs in the name of HP Wise.

Luke 2:9-11

“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Services

Graveside / Inurnment: March 27, 2021 2:00 pm

Mt. Calvary Cemetery - Smetana
2617 Smetana Road
Smetana, Texas 77807

9798222721

Celebration of Life Tribute: February 27, 2021 2:45 pm

The Village Cafe'
210 West 26th Street
Bryan, Texas 77803

9797038514
https://www.thevillagedowntown.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I am sending my condolences and prayers to Harvey Wise (son), Mrs. Helen Wise and family.
    EXODUS 15:2 I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right Hand.

  2. The Groho and Connie Grocholski would like to send our condolences to Harvey’s Family and we are praying for family , Harvey was one of a kind and will be missed dearly

  3. I will miss him at our Blacksmithing events. He was so kind and willing to give a hand, or just smile, and make you feel like one of the family. You are in my prayers.

  4. Very nice obituary. I will be praying for all of his family. He will be missed by so many. I do have a story about him I will be sharing with Helen.

  5. Harvey lit up a room when he entered it and truly loved us like we were his own. Some of my best years as a teenager were spent at y’all’s house. Love you guys and praying for God to give you guys peace during this time.

  6. As a previous member of the Brazos Valley Farmers Market, I can say that I know Harvey will be missed by many farmers and artisans in our community. He was a good friend and I enjoyed our conversations at the market. Helen and family-we are so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and comfort in this time of need.

  7. To one of the greatest people we’ve ever met we simply say thank you Sir and to Mrs Helen and the Wise family thank you for sharing Paw with us !! His love will live on

  8. Helen,
    I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Harvey. Praying for you and your family. Beautiful tribute to him! With deepest sympathy.

  9. I will miss Harvey and the stories he could tell. I will always cherish the association and time I got to spend with Harvey and Helen.

  10. Harvey, dear friend to so many, thank you for sharing some of your wisdom and lots of laughs with me… I will cherish the memories always…

  11. Amazing man, good and true man.. friend of many and friend to me… Story’s that had meaning behind them.. and amazement when I watched him turn a railroad spike into the most beautiful flower before my eyes… Going miss the waves and talks when he was driving around on the old golf cart… Rest in peace friend.. we will met again one day in that new Smetana up there

  12. I would like to offer my condolences to Mrs.Helen and the family, Pawpaw will truly be missed by our family. When my niece Ziggy Richards introduced them to us on her graduation, they immediately became part of the family. I pray your strength Mrs.Helen and I ask God, to wrap his loving arms around the family.

  13. Helen, my heart is filled with both sadness and joy. Sadness for the loss of a great and loved man Joy for knowing where he is. Joy for seeing you still going to his beloved Women’s Basketball games. He will be missed here but is already well known in his new home. ❤️ to you Helen, my sweet friend.

  14. Helen, Holly, Heather and Harvey Jr., I am truly saddened for your loss. I’m grateful that I had the pleasure of working with Harvey years ago and the honor of being one of his friends. We pray for peace and comfort as you move forward

  15. Harvey will definitely be missed! But, Harvey is at peace now with the Lord in Heaven!!! We send our deepest condolences. Walt & Glynis Harfmann

    • Mark and I would like to send our sincere condolences for the passing of Harvey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Helen Margaret and the children and grandchildren. Harvey was a one of a kind and a true Renaissance man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Sending lots of love from our family to yours.

  16. Thank you for raising an amazing woman in Holly, Paco. Thank you for showing the world your strength and endurance.

    • Holly, Roger, Abi and the Wise family- our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

  17. Smetana has lost another great community leader and friend. He may be gone from this life but certainly not forgotten. Helen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for mentioning that he worked with my dad, Vince Luza, at the dairy. Our last meeting with Harvey was at my mother’s funeral in November. We were so saddened to hear of his passing but have many good memories of him.

  18. Dave & I will miss Harvey. We enjoyed our conversations at the farmers market so much. Much love to the Wise family.

  19. Helen & family, we are so sorry to hear of Harvey’s passing. Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

  20. Helen and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May The Perpetual Light Shine upon Harvey and His soul rest in peace.

  21. Helen & Family,
    Our deepest sympathy for all of you during this difficult time. May you find comfort and peace all the days ahead.

  22. We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Harvey. Even though it’s been a long time our memories of him will last forever. Thanks for that Champion
    4-H hog Harvey and all the help you gave us through the years! May God be with you all and bring you peace…

  23. Dearest Helen and Family
    We are sending prayers and love❤️
    Heaven gained an amazing cowboy ❤️
    Love
    The Krupa Family

  24. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Harvey was truly a man of many talents.

  25. Helen you & your Family are & have been in my Prayers. My deepest Condolences & Prayers for Comfort, Strength & Peace. Love, Margie Schulz-Hodges

  26. My dear Helen and family, you all are in my prayers for the Lord to comfort you with an abundance of love and memories of Harvey’s antics that brightened each day he shared with you. Rejoice in this gift. Harvey’s now pioneering Heaven in preparation for the ultimate uniting with the Lord and family, salvation of our souls.

    With Sympathy and Prayers,

    Patt

  27. Paco my dearest grandpa, I have missed you every day you have been gone. I hope you have a goodlife in heaven, I love you.


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