Henry Lee Wyatt II

Henry Lee Wyatt II, 81, of Lynchburg, Virginia passed away on March 30, 2025. He was the only son of the late Harold and Evelyn Wyatt, and the husband of Joanne J Wyatt for 40 years.

Henry was born on May 9, 1943, in Durham, North Carolina. Henry earned the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from George Washington High School in Danville, Virginia, then pursued his bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1965. Henry achieved the rank of Cadet Lieutenant in the Corps of Cadets at VPI.

Upon graduation, Henry was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and attended flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He served in Vietnam between 1967 – 1968, earning the Purple Heart, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, and the Air Medal with 26 Oak Leaf Clusters. Henry continued to serve in the Army Reserves for 28 years of service, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, including an Active-Duty tour in support of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Even after his retirement, Henry worked to support Combat-wounded Purple Heart veterans and recognition for Vietnam era soldiers.

After Vietnam, Henry pursued his life’s vocation as an Industrial Arts instructor in multiple schools in Lynchburg, including Dunbar High School, EC Glass High School, Heritage High School, and several others in the area. Henry earned his Master’s degree in Education at Virginia State University in 1973, and served as the head of the Industrial Arts department at Heritage from 1977-1990. Henry truly enjoyed teaching and had several students achieve state and national level recognition, primarily in the printing field.

Henry was a member of Grace Memorial Episcopal Church and served the church in several different roles over the years. Henry and Jo greatly enjoyed travelling over the years, visiting six of the seven continents. He also was an avid golfer, shooter and fisherman. His greatest enjoyment was that as an Amateur Radio Operator. He earned his first license in the mid-1950’s and never put the radio down for the remainder of his life. He was very proud to be able to provide on-site communications support to the American Red Cross during the Hurricane Katrina recovery operations in 2005.

Henry is survived by his sons, Harold Wyatt and John Wyatt; and his stepchildren, Wendy Akers, Randy Sprinkle, and Mark Sprinkle. “Poppa Henry” had eight grandchildren: Henry (Hank) Wyatt, Tyler Wyatt, Daniel Wyatt, Morgan Hendrick, Lauren Fastiggi, Samantha Mattingley, Hunter Sprinkle, and Zachary Sprinkle. Henry also had eight great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to support the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.