Dr. Robert Paul Wyatt

The Reverend Dr. Robert Paul Wyatt died on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. He was born on March 23, 1934 in Danville, Virginia to the late Emmett Jackson Wyatt and Bessie Elliott Wyatt. He graduated from Friend High School in South Boston, and the University of Richmond, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Union Presbyterian Seminary where he received Master of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Ministry degrees. He also studied at Mansfield College, Oxford, England and Princeton Presbyterian Seminary. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Brenda Owen Wyatt, and their children, David Owen Wyatt, Joan Elisabeth Wyatt, William Michael Wyatt and Robert Andrew Wyatt; his twin sister, Betty Wyatt Grant and husband, Jim of San Diego as well as many nieces and nephews who were attentive and kind to him. He was preceded in death by three sisters, two brothers and son, Ronald Charles Wyatt. Dr. Wyatt served three congregations: Mill Swamp Baptist, Ivor, Virginia, Druid Hills Mission, Danville, Virginia and for 29 years at High Hills Baptist Church in Jarratt, Virginia. In retirement, he served several churches as interim pastor, including several years as part-time pastor of Adams Grove Baptist Church in Emporia. He was active in associational life, serving as a member of the Board of Missions of the Baptist General Association, moderator of the Petersburg Baptist Association, parliamentarian of the association for 14 years, and chair of the History and Archives Committee. He edited the centennial history of the Petersburg Baptist Association. Dr. Wyatt enjoyed teaching, and taught for off-campus schools of the University of Richmond and Bluefield College. He taught seminary courses in local churches for many years as a co-chair of the Seminary Extension Department of the Petersburg Association. He was a life-long student of history and wrote on the life of Robert E. Lee. He was active in local religious and civic groups. He was a member of the Greensville-Emporia Ministerial Association, Jarratt Ruritan Club and was a founding member of the Greensville-Emporia choir, where he enjoyed singing Christmas programs for 30 years. He served as chaplain for the Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center and its predecessor, Greensville Memorial Hospital. Known to many as “Preacher Bob”, he loved Southside Virginia and the people who live there. He had many friends in Jarratt and Emporia and treasured each one. A memorial service will be held at High Hills Baptist Church, Jarratt, Virginia on Saturday, July 23 at 11:a.m. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service and a reception will follow in the Sharon Room of the Church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to High Hills Baptist Church, P.O. Box 296, Jarratt, Virginia 23867 or to Hospice Support Group of Southside Virginia, 425 South Main St,Suite B, Emporia, VA 23847.