Local News
Obituary for Macmillan Morgan Wisler
Dr. Macmillan “Mac” Morgan Wisler passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Mac was born on December 3, 1943, in Pinehurst, North Carolina in the midst of a blackout during a World War II air raid drill. He enjoyed an idyllic family life in the Sandhills of North Carolina and later a joyful, adventure-filled childhood in Welch, West Virginia, where he and his brother BB became well known for their good-natured mischief and endless teasing of their sister Nell.
After a lively freshman year at West Virginia University, where he proudly swam on the university’s swim team, Mac set his sights on a new challenge, pursuing engineering and physics at North Carolina State University. There, he not only earned his doctorate, but also met the love of his life, Tanya Camille Cottle. The two were instantly smitten and went on to share 55 beautiful years together filled with laughter, love, and countless adventures that brought the family to Virginia, Louisiana, Connecticut and ultimately, Texas.
A brilliant and innovative mind, Mac became an accomplished scientist and engineer, traveling throughout the world and earning several patents for his groundbreaking work in the oilfield industry. Over his distinguished career, he served as a research physicist and principal scientist with many respected organizations, including the Research Triangle Institute in Raleigh, NC; Naval Research Labs in Washington, DC; Adams and Rountree in Lafayette, LA; Teleco in Durham, CT; NL, Weatherford, and Baker Hughes in Houston, TX; and most recently, APS Technology. His work helped shape modern offshore drilling practices and earned him recognition as a “legend” in the energy sector.
But while his professional accomplishments were remarkable, Mac’s greatest pride was always his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was the kind of person who could fix just about anything, make you laugh when you needed it most, and always had time to listen. His quick wit and sharp sense of humor were his trademarks; he could find levity in any situation and leave a room smiling with just a few words.
Mac’s passions throughout his life were science, math, fishing, classic cars, and golf. He could often be found on one of the courses at Kingwood Country Club, where he spent many happy hours perfecting his swing, celebrating not one, but 2 holes-in-one, and enjoying time with friends.
Mac is survived by his devoted wife, Tanya Camille Wisler; his children, William Wisler (Sheila) and Jennifer Wisler (Matt Maloney); his brother, Benjamin Beamer Wisler, of Cabin John, MD; his sister, Nell Wisler Johnson, of Portland, OR; and many loving extended family members and friends who were lucky enough to know and love him, including his team members at APS Technology. He is preceded in death by his parents Benjamin and Joyce Wisler of Southern Pines, NC.
A memorial service celebrating Mac’s extraordinary life will be held on Thursday, October 16th from 2 pm until 4 pm at Kingwood Funeral Home in Kingwood, TX.
Two people were arrested in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins linked to a Felony Lane Gang operating across multiple states.
According to the Aberdeen Police Department, officers responded to OrangeTheory Fitness on August 4 after a vehicle was broken into and items were reportedly stolen.
“Investigators began following leads and linked the case to similar cases in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Foxfire, Pittsboro, High Point, and Fuquay-Varina,” states the Aberdeen Police Department in a press release. “A multi-jurisdictional investigation began, and investigators verified suspects in this case were part of a Felony Lane Gang that was targeting vehicles at gyms across several states.”
Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a rental car and located it at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Surveillance footage from a bank in Cary helped investigators identify Victoria Tudor, 48, of Raleigh, and Ethan Smith, 33, of Youngsville, as suspects.
Warrants were issued on September 26. Smith is facing charges of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and Tudor is facing charges of felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. On November 7, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and the Raleigh Fugitive Task Force located the pair. Both were taken before a Wake County magistrate and received $5,000 secured bonds.
Police said the case remains open as investigators continue working with surrounding agencies to identify additional suspects.
All suspects and persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Via Aberdeen Police Department.
Three people were arrested Thursday after Moore County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Bell Fork Road in the Heflin Mobile Home Park in Aberdeen.
Detectives conducted the search on Nov. 13 and seized suspected cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, multiple items of drug and marijuana paraphernalia, thirteen firearms, and more than $2,800 in cash.
Investigators arrested Jose Sanchez, 26, of Aberdeen, and charged him with felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance; possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine; felony possession of cocaine; possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana; felony possession of marijuana; two counts of maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Moore County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in district court on Dec.10.
Tabitha Sanchez, 56, of Aberdeen, was charged with felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was held at the Moore County Detention Center under a $5,500 secured bond and is also scheduled to appear in district court on Dec.10.
Brandy Grice, 50, of Aberdeen, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under a $5,500 secured bond and has the same Dec. 10 district court date.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Via Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
Two people were arrested in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins linked to a Felony Lane Gang operating across multiple states.
According to the Aberdeen Police Department, officers responded to OrangeTheory Fitness on August 4 after a vehicle was broken into and items were reportedly stolen.
“Investigators began following leads and linked the case to similar cases in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Foxfire, Pittsboro, High Point, and Fuquay-Varina,” states the Aberdeen Police Department in a press release. “A multi-jurisdictional investigation began, and investigators verified suspects in this case were part of a Felony Lane Gang that was targeting vehicles at gyms across several states.”
Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a rental car and located it at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Surveillance footage from a bank in Cary helped investigators identify Victoria Tudor, 48, of Raleigh, and Ethan Smith, 33, of Youngsville, as suspects.
Warrants were issued on September 26. Smith is facing charges of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and Tudor is facing charges of felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. On November 7, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and the Raleigh Fugitive Task Force located the pair. Both were taken before a Wake County magistrate and received $5,000 secured bonds.
Police said the case remains open as investigators continue working with surrounding agencies to identify additional suspects.
All suspects and persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
Via Aberdeen Police Department.
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