Billy Wiseman, 88

September 19, 1937  –  May 13, 2026

Billy Ranson Wiseman, 88, of New Albany, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County surrounded by family.

He was born in New Albany on September 19, 1937, to Oran Guy Wiseman and Annie Mae Whittington Wiseman. He was a loyal member of First United Methodist Church of Tupelo. Billy was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Billy grew up in New Albany and graduated from W.P. Daniel High School in 1955. He attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, earning his degree in 1960.

His professional career began with General Electric Credit Corporation where he managed offices in Columbus and Greenville, Mississippi; Jonesboro, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee. After a span of ten years, he returned home and opened Union Appliance and Furniture. Following a decade of ownership in New Albany, he became increasingly concerned that the downtown business was in decline. Over the course of a year, he led a committed group of citizens to find a solution for the district’s challenges. As a result, the New Albany Main Street Program was established in 1996.

Billy served as the New Albany program’s charter president and remained in that position for a number of years. During this time, he was asked to serve on the Mississippi Main Street Board, where he contributed to Main Street’s growth and recognition statewide for ten years.

During his years of work with Main Street, he was given the Paul Coggin Award for Volunteerism and Leadership. The Mississippi Board’s commendation noted “his vision and leadership are without question. It is one of the reasons New Albany is admired as an example of a premiere program throughout the Southeast.” Years later, Mississippi Representative, Sam Creekmore announced that Mississippi Legislature had unanimously passed House Resolution 24 honoring Billy for his distinguished career and meritorious leadership and service.

Billy continued to serve as the Treasurer of the New Albany Main Street Program and was given a well-deserved emeritus seat on New Albany’s Board.

Billy was elected Mayor of New Albany in 2001 and faithfully served through 2005 focusing on further community development.

Billy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha Kate Wiseman; his two children, Elizabeth Wiseman of New York and Travis Wiseman and wife Rebekah of Tupelo, and three grandchildren; Abby, Sam, and Whit Wiseman.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at United Funeral Service on Sunday, May 17, 2026. A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 11:00 am at New Albany United Methodist Church in Glenfield.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the New Albany Main Street Association or the UNITE Endowment Fund.

United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these services.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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