Biography: Richard H. Wyatt, 78, died Saturday, April 22, 2023 in Little Rock.  He was born February 12, 1945 in Blytheville, Arkansas.  His parents, William H. Wyatt and Mary Grace Wyatt, his sister Ethel Jean Elledge, and brother, William H. Wyatt all predeceased him.

After graduating from Blytheville High School, Dick attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and graduated in 1967 with high honors and a degree in accounting. Dick was a proud member of Sigma Chi, Cardinal XX and Omricon Delta Kappa. While in Fayetteville Dick made many close friendships which remained with him throughout his lifetime.  Dick was  unusually intellectually gifted. Combined with his outgoing personality, his talents opened many doors for him during his lifetime. He started working for IBM and later became President of McLarty Leasing. Thereafter, in 1978, Dick joined Micky Lavender in forming a health electronic software and technology company, Lavender & Wyatt Systems.

Pulmonary fibrosis attacked Dick in 1994 resulting in a double lung transplant in 1999. After recovering from his surgery, Dick again entered the workforce and was employed as CIO by the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services. Dick was a 23+ year survivor of the double lung transplant.  His lungs were still working well when he was overcome by sepsis as a result of  abdominal issues. 

Musically inclined, Dick helped establish the Arkansas Repertory Theatre and performed in several of the earlier musical productions with The Rep.  Dick had an infectious smile and always cheered up a room with his arrival. Dick enjoyed spending time with his friends and family on Lake Hamilton, enjoyed the lake and boating in the summer and Oaklawn Racetrack during the winter and spring. Recently, Dick’s interest in thoroughbred racing was enhanced through his association with Ten Strike Racing and  its attendant comradery.  Dick attended Christ Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Olivia Nisbet Wyatt and their two children, Mary Alexander Wyatt and Olivia Owens Wyatt and two children from his first marriage, Melanie Wyatt Brink (Darren)of Chicago IL and Richard (Rick) Wyatt of Little Rock.  Other survivors include his brother-in-law, Wyck Nisbet, and wife, Tish, and their three daughters, Jane Embry Selig (Drew), Alexis Nisbet Reid and Rebecca G. Nisbet, all of Little Rock. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Kenneth, Richard, Debbie and Stephen Wyatt and Selena, Amber and Nicole Elledge.  Dick deeply loved his wife, children and his nieces and nephews.  He was a constant source of love and support to his family and leaves an indelible mark on their lives.

Visitation will be at Ruebel Funeral Home, 5–7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 and the funeral  is scheduled at Christ Episcopal Church for Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Arkansas Repertory Theatre (P.O. Box 110, Little Rock, AR 72203), the Second Wind Lung Transplant Association, Inc. (ATTN: Sarah Ridder, 3590 Beckworth Lane, Crete, IL  60417), Christ Episcopal Church (509 Scott St., Little Rock, AR 72201) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com