Earnest Earl "Ernie" Wyatt

Earnest Earl Wyatt (Ernie), 82 of Disputanta, VA passed away at home following a brief illness on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Born in Hopewell, VA on April 16, 1942, he was the son of the late Melvin Glendon Wyatt and Mary Lucille Wyatt. He was preceded in death by two brothers, William Wyatt, and Bobby Talton. He is survived by a brother, Louis Wyatt, and sister, Mildred Wyatt Powell (Ed), his wife of 29 years, Shirley Kidd Wyatt, three daughters, Janice Wyatt Long (Philip), Diana Wyatt Dove (Don), Earnestine Wyatt, one stepdaughter Suzanne Whitcomb (Jeff), and a stepson Paul Schilling. He had eight grandchildren, Jordan Dransfield (Zack), Kara Daniel (Kevin), Jacob Shaffer, Wyatt Shaffer, Rachel Castillo (Alfredo), Adam Schrader, Amber McFarland (Allen), Austin Noel (Tara), Shelby Kulle (Brian) and Chelsea Johnston (Brian). He was the proud grandfather of his five great grandchildren Wyatt, Beau, Whitlee, Ryder and Hailey and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many cherished friends and extended family. Ernie dedicated over 42 years serving as a Merchant Marine. He began his SIU career in 1960, joining at the port of Norfolk, VA. He served in the deck department, first working aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp vessel. Boatman Wyatt ungraded his skills at the SIU’s training school at Piney Point, MD during 1992-1997. He last sailed aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel, the Sea Robin. During his career, he served in the engine room, was a cook for his fellow crew members, and took on numerous jobs aboard deck. His love of the sea began at an early age helping his father as a commercial fisherman. He never lost his love for the sea. There will be a memorial service Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Home, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Ernie’s ashes will be buried in Claremont Cemetery Virginia Avenue (Rt. 1212) Claremont, Virginia 23899 at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 22, 2024.In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to Crater Community Hospice 3916 S. Crater Road Petersburg, Virginia 23805.