Joseph A. "Joe" Wyant

Joseph A. “Joe” Wyant, a man whose heart was as big as his smile, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, in Gainesville, Georgia, wrapped in the love of his devoted family. Born on December 28, 1943, in small town Pocatello, Idaho, “Jody,” (as he was known then), lived 81 vibrant years, pouring his boundless energy into his family, his community, and a life rich with purpose and joy.

Joe’s journey took flight after graduating from Pocatello High School when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, a path that led him to the Naval Air Station in Marietta, Georgia. It was there, beneath the shadow of what’s now the Big Chicken, that fate smiled upon him: he met Gladys Pannell, the woman who would become his soulmate and the love of his life. After four years of honorable service with the Marine Corps, Joe and Gladys were married on October 16, 1965, and began their beautiful adventure together, settling into their first home in Smyrna, Georgia. While working tirelessly on C-130 military transport planes at Lockheed Martin, Joe also earned his associate’s degree from Kennesaw College followed by study at Georgia State University—a testament to his quiet determination and thirst for growth.

In 1972, Joe, Gladys, and their spirited three-year-old daughter, Heather, put down roots in Gainesville, Georgia, where Joe embarked on a stellar career in sales starting with Whitehead Paper Company. Joe and Gladys welcomed their son Jason in August of 1975. As the packaging world evolved, Joe’s keen instincts led him to Gilbert Plastics Corp during the dawn of the plastics revolution. With his infectious charisma, sharp expertise, and a knack for inspiring trust, he became a standout figure in consumer packaging—a true gentleman of the industry. In 1993, he was elected President of the Southern Aerosol Technical Association (SATA), later earning its Founder’s Award in 2005. After a long tenure with Berry Plastics and other firms as a manufacturer’s representative, Joe retired in 2012, leaving a legacy of integrity and relationships.

A serial entrepreneur, Joe created, marketed, and sold the first security mail tube products for document shipping for the United States Postal Service (USPS), funding his children’s college educations with the proceeds. He launched LOSOREA, an aerosol recycling service promoting on-site sustainability for manufacturers, and PALEO Collectibles, small gallery-quality dinosaur fossil replicas born from his love of prehistoric wonders. He also authored and published Anamnesis: The Further Adventures of Struth Digger, a children’s mystery blending small-town charm with his storytelling flair.

Joe’s love for Gainesville glowed in everything he did. He was an early pillar of the Kiwanis civic club, Key Club sponsor at Gainesville High School, the founding president of the Lanier Symphony Orchestra, now the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra, and a faithful lay reader, Sunday School teacher and chalice bearer at Grace Episcopal Church, where his steady voice brought comfort to many. He championed his wife’s passion at The Arts Council, earning the “Friend of the Arts” title for 1998-1999 with his generous philanthropic spirit. In politics, Joe’s fervor shone as he managed campaigns and rallied voters for the local Republican National Committee (RNC). At the Chattahoochee Country Club, he chaired the Marina Committee and he enjoyed fellowship with the Alders Gate Sunday School at Gainesville FUMC. His heart also beat for causes like Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Yellowstone National Park, and Ducks Unlimited, reflecting his deep love for service, patriotism, service, and the wild beauty he so treasured.

But nothing lit up Joe’s world like his family. For nearly 60 years, he was Gladys’s rock, her partner in every adventure, and her biggest cheerleader. As a father, he poured his pride and tenderness into his children, guiding them with wisdom and unwavering love. And as “Poppy,” Joe was pure magic to his grandchildren. Whether reeling in fish on Lake Lanier, carving snowy trails on ski trips, or delighting them with “Poppy Burgers,” and rides on Macy’s Christmas “Pink Pig,” his laughter and big bear hugs created memories that will shine forever.

Joe lived with gusto, savoring every moment of his passions: always chasing the perfect golf swing, the thrill of slicing through powder on skis, the peace of fly fishing out west on father/son trips, the adventure of traveling and cruising around the world, the camaraderie of duck hunting, the ups and downs of being a Falcons fan, the pride of becoming a Master Gardener, and the simple joy of boating. His pride and joy was his wooden Lyman boat, Finest Kind, which he restored with a craftsman’s care, tracking down original parts nationwide until it gleamed as Lake Lanier’s crown jewel—a reflection of the love he put into everything he touched.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margeret Wyant; his brother, John Wyant, his sister, Colleen Wyant; and brother-in-law Al Pannell.

Joe leaves behind his adored wife, Gladys, his children, Heather Wyant Heydet (Tommy) of Alpharetta and Jason Wyant (Jennifer) of Marietta, his sister Trudy Simpson (James) of Pocatello, ID, his four precious grandchildren—Jackie Heydet, Elise Heydet, Jackson Wyant, and Jillian Wyant, sister and brother in law Kathryn & Bill Wooten of Cartersville, sister-in-law Judy Pannell of Gainesville; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. His quick wit, gentle humor, and the warmth of his embrace will linger in every room he ever entered, a gift to all who knew him. Joe Wyant didn’t just live a full life—he lived a beautiful one, and his love will echo through his family and friends forever.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for family and close friends in early summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org or Yellowstone Forever www.yellowstone.org in his memory.

For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel