Frederick Eugene Wyatt Jr.

Fredrick "Rick" Eugene Wyatt Jr., 82, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Rick lived a big life - full of laughter, hard work, and faith.
Rick proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Canberra during the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. His time at sea shaped his discipline, sense of duty, and his signature blend of grit and humor that never faded.
After leaving the Navy, Rick built several successful businesses centered around the transport and delivery of poultry products. Whether it was trucking, dry ice, or logistics, Rick was a man who didn't mind getting his hands dirty and built his livelihood from the ground up. He approached life and work with determination - and always managed to make people laugh while doing it.
Rick was known for his quick wit, unforgettable sense of humor, and signature phrases that everyone who knew him could quote. When something amazing happened, you'd hear his quiet but, mock-serious "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together " - and when it was time to part ways, it was always "Catch ya on the flip!" His timing and charm could break tension in any room, and his laughter was infectious.
Faith and music were constants in Rick's life. He was a proud and active member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and found real joy in fellowship. His favorite song of all time was "American Pie" by Don McLean - a tune he never tired of, and one that perfectly matched his mix of nostalgia, fun, and soul.
Rick is survived by his wife, Sherry Wyatt; his son, Kyle Wyatt; daughters Kimberly Johnson, Kelly Poole, Whitney Richardson, and Krystal Wyatt; stepdaughters Jessica Griffin and Amanda Leighton; grandchildren Olivia Grace Wyatt, Claire Elizabeth Wyatt, Gabrial Foster Poole, Naomi Anne Johnson, Caroline Brook Wyatt, Adeleine Foster Poole, Nathan Norrell, Benjamin Wesley Norrell, Thomas "TJ" Johnson, and Leo Alluin Richardson ; and brothers Billie Wyatt and Dean Wyatt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick "Fred" Wyatt Sr. and Bessie Pemberton Thompson.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rick's life during visitation on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Hamilton Mill Chapel, 3481 Hamilton Mill Rd, Buford, GA. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Zion Hill Baptist Church, 3390 South Puckett Rd, Buford, GA, preceded by a one-hour visitation.
Rick Wyatt will be remembered as a man who worked hard, laughed often, sang loudly, and loved deeply. His humor, his voice, and his larger-than-life spirit will echo through every story told and every song sung in his memory.
Share memories of Rick at hamiltonmillchapel.com
Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924