Gary Wyant

March 10, 1940 - August 22, 2021

Gary Wilson Wyant, age 81, of Knoxville, formerly of Sparta, Tennessee, passed away at home surrounded by family on Sunday, August 22, 2021. He was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow Wyant; mother, Dorothy Wyant Meadows and stepfather, Gene Meadows. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, the former Betty Huddleston, originally of Sydney, Arkansas. He was a 1961 graduate of Wichita State University lettering in football and baseball. After graduating, he began his career in football as an assistant coach at Wichita State University then becoming defensive backfield coach at Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas Tech. He retired from coaching in 1978 and went into banking in Sparta, TN for the next 16 years. After his tenure in banking, he returned to the University of Tennessee after being recruited by Phillip Fulmer to serve as director of football operations. He remained in athletic administration at the University of Tennessee until his retirement in 2007. Anyone that knew Gary, knew his passion for making a difference in the lives of his players and colleagues but his greatest love was his family. He is survived by his loving, devoted partner, Martha Kindle; children and grandchildren: Greg and Brooke Wyant (Murfreesboro, TN)-Jordyn Peyton, Dylan Evans, Taylor Wyant and Keaton Sanderson; Mike and Cindy Wyant (Nevada, Missouri)-Colby and Chase Beisly and Peyton Wyant; Jennifer and Greg Valentine (Knoxville, TN)-Reese Johnson and Brileigh Valentine. Gary was an avid fisherman and could often be found spending the day on the water with his fishing buddies George Elrod and Don Ryder. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Saturday at Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann Chapel. Celebration of Life 6:00 PM Saturday at Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann Chapel with Dylan Evans officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Peyton Manning Scholarship Endowment. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann.