IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Cyrus Wiser,

Cyrus Wiser, Jr. Profile Photo

Jr.

January 5, 1951 – October 21, 2025

Obituary

Cyrus "Cy" Wymer Wiser Jr. passed away in his home on the morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

Cy was born in Anniston, Alabama on January 5, 1951. He was a lifelong resident of Murfreesboro, TN where he attended Campus School through 8th grade.   He graduated from Central High School Class in 1969. Cy went on to earn a B.S. degree in Biology from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 1973.  Cy was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity (pledge class 1970) where he made lifelong friendships.

Cy furthered his schooling by earning his M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 1979. While there, he was recognized in multiple honor societies including Tau Beta Pi (the National Engineering Honor Society) for ranking in the top 20% of his class and Chi Epsilon, the National Civil Engineering Honor Society.

Cy then served as Murfreesboro City Engineer for over 15 years, from 1980 to April 1996. Some of his major accomplishments include: Instrumental in the development of Northfield/ Rutherford Blvd City Outer Loop; Bought Traffic Signals from MED, Upgraded City Signal System to include: First closed loop traffic signal system in the state of TN, First closed loop to operate Traffic Responsive in the state of TN, First Traffic Operation Center in the State of TN; Oversaw numerous development plans for drainage and traffic impact; Hired 1st transportation Director; Changed out antiquated red light systems throughout Murfreesboro; Instrumental in Downtown Revitalization Project for storm water improvements; Development of the Senior Citizens facility and then added an addition at a later date; Responsible for Multi-Million dollar contracts for the Management of Annual large stormwater management projects and street paving contract projects. He was also instrumental in the redevelopment of multiple phases of downtown (3 phases), and in the development and construction of the new city hall building.

After serving the city as City Engineer, Cy founded several successful businesses including Wiser Company, Wiser Imagery Services, Wiser Consultants, and Custom Building Company, among others. He was especially proud of the work his companies did in support of U.S. troops stationed overseas.

Cy's legacy goes beyond his business success; he was deeply committed to the well-being of others. He dedicated his time and resources to his employees, always ensuring that they were treated like family. He was known by all who worked with him as the "most giving" person, always looking for ways to help others, no matter the cost to himself. His businesses employed over 200 people with various layers of management, yet everyone, from executives to employees, called him "Cy." He believed that while profitability was crucial, the key to success was always the people who helped bring his vision to life.

Cy's friends and family would often describe him as someone who "never gave up," no matter how difficult the circumstances. Whether it was in his work, his personal life, or his support of others, Cy faced challenges head-on with determination and tenacity.

He was also considered one of the "most caring" individuals by those who knew him best. Cy was always ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. and his compassion was felt by all who encountered him.

Additionally, Cy was someone who always tried to avoid hurting anyone's feelings. His thoughtfulness and empathy were central to his character and he went to great lengths to ensure that people felt valued and respected in his presence, maintaining an even keeled temperament even in the most stressful of situations. Cy was also one to bring humor to any situation. Cy's silly jokes and funny personality are among the things that will be missed the most.

Cy is survived by his wife Rhonda Morgan Wiser, his daughter Hannah Leigh Wiser (Taylor), his "best buddy" and son, Ellis Wiser; his beloved grandson, Fisher Tate Goetz; his sister, Linda Sadler (George) of Fredericksburg, VA; parents- in-law Fred and Shelby Morgan; his sisters-in-law Gayle Pope Wiser, Vivian Alley, Rachel Hamby, and Rita Anderson; stepdaughter, Hannah Cartwright (James) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Laura Wiser; his father, Cyrus Wymer Wiser Sr.; his brother, Gary G. Wiser, Sr; and his stepdaughter, Hallee Jean Cartwright.

In his free time, Cy was an avid sports fan. He cheered passionately for the MTSU Blue Raiders, Vanderbilt Commodores, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and the Tennessee Titans.  Cy could often be found at sports games, always supporting his favorite teams.

Visitation with the Wiser family will be held Friday, October 24, 2025, at Woodfin Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro from 12:00pm until the time of funeral services beginning at 2:00pm with Minister Bob Woodham officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to contribute to the charity of your choice, or to either the KA Memorial Scholarship or the BRAA Champions Annual Fund at MTSU. Both were dear to Cy. You may give at www.mtsu.edu/cywiser or by mailing a check made out to the MTSU Foundation to MTSU Foundation, 1301 E Main St, Box 109, Murfreesboro, TN 37132.

In honor of Cy's love for sports, the family invites attendees to wear casual sports attire from their favorite team. An online guestbook is available for the Wiser family at www.woodfinchapel.com.

To order memorial trees in memory of Cyrus Wiser, Jr., please visit our tree store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

October
24

12:00 - 2:00 pm

Funeral Service

October
24

Starts at 2:00 pm

Burial

October
24

Starts at 3:00 pm

Guestbook

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