John Leeray Wise

John Leeray Wise, 80, passed away at 8:59 a.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Lima Memorial Hospital.

John was born on December 20, 1941 in Hopedale, Ohio, to Clarence “Frank” and Katherine (Virtue) Wise.  On November 26, 1982 he married Nancy (Harvey) Wise, who survives in Lima.

John graduated from Lima Senior High School in 1960.  Always a hard worker, he worked his way up to becoming part-owner of Dietrich Interiors & Flooring Company.  John was a long-time member of the Carpenters Local Union #372.  He was a member of the Eagles #370 and enjoyed many great times there.  John was also a member of the Cairo-Columbus Grove Bass Club.  He and Nancy entered several fishing tournaments over the years and won many of them.  He enjoyed fishing and spending time out on Little Turkey Lake where they had a second home.  John loved hosting fish fries with family and friends, frying up the fish that he and Nancy caught together.  He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan, as well as a Cleveland Browns fan.  John was a member of the Dietrich bowling team and was proud of his one and only 300 game.  He also enjoyed trying his luck at the casinos.  He loved playing Euchre with his friends and family.  John loved animals, especially his beagle named Girl.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Scott (Cynthia) Wise and Kirk (Betsey) Wise; daughter, Paula (Mark) Ricker; stepsons: Paul (Deanna) Joseph, Troy Joseph and Ralph “Joe” (Lisa) Joseph; fourteen grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren; brothers: Clyde (Diane) Wise, Rodney (Cheri) Wise, Keith (Diane) Wise; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Jordan Ricker.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio.  A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.  Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.