William Robert Wise

William Robert (“Bob”) Wise, III died peacefully in Charleston on December 14, 2023 at Roper St. Francis Hospital and was surrounded by his family and friends. Bob was born in Abbeville, SC to William R. and Margaret C. Wise. He attended Abbeville High School where he played on both the basketball and baseball teams. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Clemson University in 1970 and a masters in management in 1973. Afterwards,  Bob moved to Charleston. He met his beloved wife, Joanne (“Jo”) Baker, while both were working at the Medical University of South Carolina. They married in August 1976.

Bob had also returned to graduate school. He received his masters in accounting in 1976 and became a Certified Public Accountant.  He eventually pursued and obtained the professional certification of Certified Financial Planner.

Bob spent the majority of his accounting practice at Sherman Yarborough Accountants in Charleston (West Ashley) and later was a founding member of Biddlecomb Game & Wise. He retired in 2015. Bob was a devoted, lifelong Clemson fan. He helped establish the Charleston Clemson Club where he served as treasurer and later president. He also had the honor of serving on Clemson’s National Alumni Board. Bob established an endowment at Clemson in honor of his late mother. In addition to his love of all things Clemson, Bob loved music. He played guitar and had a marvelous singing voice.  He and Jo traveled extensively. They celebrated almost 39 years together before her death in 2015.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his stepson Charles Richard Furman Baker, III and his much beloved wife. He is survived by his Aunt Ann Bland; his stepson Randolph Shipp Baker; his stepdaughter Mary Mikell Baker; his many cousins; his step granddaughters, Jennifer Crow, Linda Sherman (Scott Sherman) and Ashley Baker Illing (Stuart Illing); and a host of step great grandchildren. Bob will be deeply missed by his stepchildren, aunt, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, his cousins and friends.

A requiem mass will be held at the Church of the Holy Communion in Charleston on January 6, 2024 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William Robert Wise, III Class of 1970 endowment fund in honor of Margaret Conger Wise at Clemson University or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.