Dr. Richard Burr Wyse's Obituary
DR. RICHARD BURR WYSE, 90, passed away November 4, 2011. As a local chiropractor who started practice in Memphis in 1953 he spent the next 53 years endearing many with his caring hands and smile. Along the way he became active in several activities such as the Lion’s Club, First Congregational Church and later, Unity Church of Christianity. Dr. Wyse was a 50-year Mason attaining his 32nd degree, a Shriner, member of the Oriental Band, and a member of both the York Rite and the Scottish Rite. Personal enjoyments involved fixing anything mechanical – cars, radios, and clocks. Later, after retirement, as a resident in an assisted care facility, he spent time aiding others more physically challenged than himself. Dr. Wyse was born in Wauseon, Ohio, October 4, 1921 to Romeo Peter Wyse and Georgiana H. Burr. He lived many years in Detroit, Michigan, where he met his future wife. He enlisted and served 3 years in the Army Air Corps and was a power turrent and gunsight mechanic. He married Pauline May Lawson on February 15, 1945, in Memphis. After his Honorable Discharge in September, 1945, they returned to Detroit. After recovering from service-related tuberculosis in 1947, he decided to help others and attended Palmer School of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Wyse is predeceased by his parents, his wife, Polly, a sister, Anna Jean, and a daughter-in-law, Judy VanDeest Wyse. Survivors are a sister, Frances; children, Dr. Richard Lawson Wyse and wife, Sandy, Ronald Paul Wyse, and Alan Christian Wyse; 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. The family especially wants to thank long-time caregiver, Rachel Wilbur, and the staff at The Baptist Trinity Hospice House in Collierville for their care and compassion; and wishes memorials be made in Dr. Wyse’s name to the hospice house in lieu of flowers. A Celebration of Life will be held at a date to be announced.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?