3
trees
planted in memory of Donald Ray Wyatt, Jr.
Obituary for Donald Ray Wyatt, Jr.
Donald Ray Wyatt, Jr.
Don was born in Washington, DC on May 13, 1964 and he passed away at his home on July 19,2025. Don was preceded in death by father, Donald R Wyatt, Sr. Grandparents Sylvan Charles Boyd, Esther Bernice Boyd, William H. Wyatt, Sr and Hallie M. Wyatt. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Shelby P Wyatt, mother Irene H Wyatt, sister Debbie (Donald) Ridgley and motherin-law, Linda (Freddie) Parker and loving German Shepherd Dog, Kiowa Farah. He also has numerous aunts, uncles, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews left to cherish his memory. Don was raised in Maryland. After graduating high school, Don joined the US Army and served in the Signal Corps with most of his time spent stationed at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD. He served during the Cold War and worked on the Red Line to Moscow. He obtained a Top Secret SBI security clearance to perform his duties. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army in August 1985 with the rank of Corporal. He received the GI Bill and began his studies at the University of Maryland. In 1989, he graduated from UMD with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. While attending college he worked the UMD police department. After graduating college, he came to Emporia. He was the last police officer to be hired under Chief Elmer Grizzard. Don graduated 3rd in his class from the Crater Criminal Justice Academy. Don rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police which he served as his last 4 years. Don retired in 2014 after serving the citizens of Emporia for 25 years. During his time with Emporia Police, he formed many friendships and bonds that stayed with him through the rest of his life. There are many that he held very close to his heart. Don met his wife, Shelby in 1994. They were married on January 23, 1995. During their 30 years together, they had 4 German Shepherd “babies”, Sheba, Cherokee, Caesar and Kiowa. Together they shared a love for their babies, sports, motorcycles and the mountains. His Catholic faith was very important to him. He was baptized on his 45th birthday. He lived each day according to the teaching of Jesus Christ. He had a passion for motorcycles. He loved and owned many types of motorcycles. This passion led him to Fayetteville, NC where he met and maintained a great relationships with several wonderful people. He also had a passion of traditional archery. Don touched many lives through his law enforcement career and well as after his career was over. The void left behind is very large and will never be filled. His presence will always be here.
The family will receive friends at Echols Funeral Home on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation starting at 2:00p.m. at Echols Funeral Home with Father Jong officiating.
Donations to St. Richard’s Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com
To plant a tree in memory of Donald Ray Wyatt, Jr., visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
25
Jul
12:00 PM
- 2:00 PM
Echols Funeral Home
806 Brunswick Ave.
Emporia, VA 23847
Service
Friday
25
Jul
2:00 PM
Echols Funeral Home
806 Brunswick Ave.
Emporia, VA 23847
Loading...