09/13/2026
Rest easy, Ron. You left an indelible mark on those you taught at UVA Wise. Your legacy will live on. 😢
Ronald Harry Heise, 88, died at his summer home in Wellsboro, PA on September 6, 2026.
Mr. Heise was born on June 25, 1938 in Wellsboro, PA to Harry William Heise and Eugertha Alta Morris Heise. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Julia Raye Hackney Heise, his daughter, Christiana Raye Heise Mills, her husband Evan Mills, and granddaughters Riley Raye Mills and Audrey Kate Mills. His son, Michael Wesley Heise died in 2023.
Mr. Heise’s undergraduate studies were at Lycoming College, Villanova University and Eastern University where he graduated with a BA degree with a major in philosophy.
His graduate studies were at Villanova University, the Catholic University of America, the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee.
Mr. Heise’s teaching career spanned four decades and included Valley Forge Military Academy, Georgetown College, and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise where Mr. Heise taught for 35 years and introduced a program of communication studies.
Mr. Heise was proud that at all the institutions he taught, he received institutional acknowledgement of classroom excellence. As well, he is honored to have been appointed a National Defense Educational Scholar at the University of Kentucky in 1968 and selected as a Bickel Scholar at the University of Tennessee in 1978.
In retirement Mr. Heise divided his time between Florida and Pennsylvania to enthusiastically pursue his interests in golf, fishing and travel.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal church on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 am with Father Millard Cook officiating. Mr. Heise requested that all commemorative gifts be made to the Ronald Heise Scholarship Fund at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, One College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293. Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
