Former Troutman town manager and mayor died Wednesday
BY DEBBIE PAGE
Ron “Duck” Wyatt, who served as Troutman town manager for four years and previously served as the town’s mayor and Iredell County register of deeds, passed away Wednesday night.
Troutman officials offered their condolences to the family and paid tribute to Wyatt, saying he was a tireless advocate for the rapidly growing town.
“No one made more changes for the better to our town than Duck Wyatt,” Council member Felina Harris said. “Change is never easy, and it is not always fun or popular, but it is necessary. Duck ate, slept, and breathed the Town of Troutman.”
Mayor Teross Young began Thursday night’s Town Council meeting by honoring Wyatt, who had been battling serious complications following a major heart surgery in July.
Wyatt had a profound impact on the town and the people he touched during his four year-tenure, a period marked by significant growth and transition for the community, Young said.
“Regardless of differing viewpoints on specific decisions, there’s no denying of his unwavering dedication to public service,” the mayor said. “Ron was a memorable figure, one you wouldn’t forget after meeting him. His presence was infectious, fueled by his energy, captivating stories, and unmistakable passion for our town. I recall conversations with Ron where he spoke about Troutman’s future with an optimistic outlook that was contagious.
“Even if we disagreed on certain issues, we couldn’t deny his deep care for our community,” he added.
A Marine veteran who was known for his patriotism and service to the community, Wyatt also served as Iredell County register of deeds for nearly four years after retiring from 21 years of service in the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. His law enforcement career included work as a patrol deputy and DARE officer. He retired as a lieutenant.
Wyatt was also served as Iredell County GOP chair nearly five years, served as president of the Fraternal Order of Police, and was active in the Iredell County Republican Men’s Club, the Troutman Exchange Club, Rockwell Amvets, the Iredell County Marine Corps League, and the Union Grove Ruritan Club. Wyatt coached youth athletics for almost 30 years in various capacities. He served as league chairman for baseball and softball in Southern Iredell County for the Babe Ruth League.
He is survived by his wife Julie and twin sons Parker and Ethan, along with extended family.
‘He was a family member, a neighbor, a friend, a colleague’
Harris, who is serving her second term on council, said Wyatt’s dedication to making Troutman a clean, enjoyable community was unmistakable. “One day, in particular, I was riding through town early in the morning about 7:45 taking my son to school, and Duck was on the golf cart riding around town, inspecting, making notes, and talking to people on the greenway. Later that afternoon, I was heading out, and my son said, ‘Mom, Duck is still on that golf cart!!’ That was just Duck.”
Harris said she was grateful for Wyatt’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of Troutman’s minority community, including JC Walker (first black police chief), Mayor Young (first black Mayor), and Harris as (first black female councilwoman) as “a part of Troutman’s rich history.”
The first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast in 2022 in Troutman was under his leadership.
“The town and neighboring cities have enjoyed the fellowship more and more each year because of Duck’s thoughtful and forward-thinking mindset,” she said.
Council member Tonya Bartlett called Wyatt “a truly commanding figure” in Troutman and Iredell County. “His dedication to public service and his larger-than-life personality left an unforgettable mark,” she said.
Wyatt, she said was a man of strong convictions who was assertive and persuasive, a strong leader who was committed to his community.
“Duck’s dedication to Troutman’s advancement was profound. He is remembered for his significant contributions and the lasting, positive impact he made on the community he so deeply valued,” said Bartlett.
Council member George Harris said he was thankful for Wyatt’s friendship, although he acknowledged his leadership style was not for everyone.
“Sometimes he moved too fast to reach his goals and upset some citizens, but he made Troutman a better place to live. He completed, or made substantial progress on several of the improvements suggested in the 2018 Strategic plan, such as acquiring the houses needed to complete Lytton Street to Wagner Street.”
“His last plan was to acquire the Keystone properties for a future town hall plus ownership of ESC Park. This property was finally acquired while Duck was in the hospital,” Harris added. “I hope that he knew the sale was completed before he left us.”
Cotton Ketchie talked of Wyatt’s deep love of country as a former Marine. Wyatt worked with Ketchie and the Evening Exchange Club of Lake Norman to establish the Walk of Heroes, featuring flags draping the Richardson Greenway in memory of veterans, and the Memorial Day ceremony at ESC Park in 2023.
Wyatt went on to help establish the Exchange Club of Troutman that fall, becoming a charter member of the club, which focuses on serving children and on Americanism, both of which were close to Wyatt’s heart.
N.C. Rep. Todd Carver worked with Wyatt at the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office when Wyatt was a detective and Carver was a patrol deputy. “He was a fun guy to work with, an all-business kind of guy. We had some good times working cases together,” he said.
Former Mayor Pro Tem Paul Henkel, who recently retired from the Town Council, extended his sympathy to Wyatt’s family, especially to his twin boys, whom he described as “outstanding citizens.”
“Many people loved Duck. Even those who had challenges with him respected his straight-forwardness,” Henkel said. “He was always dedicated to the town and loved it and worked hard for it. Though we had some challenging votes over the years, he tried to balance residential and commercial growth for the town’s health.”
Henkel also praised Wyatt’s visibility and close monitoring of the town and its needs, always getting out and talking to people, hearing their concerns, and working to solve problems instead of just sitting behind his desk all day.
During a tribute to Wyatt at Thursday’s council meeting, Mayor Young discussed the former manager’s life and legacy.
“His passing serves as a moment to pause, reflect, and remember the individual behind the title. He was a family member, a neighbor, a friend, a colleague, and a familiar face to many in Troutman,” Young said.
“Losing someone who played such a prominent role in our town’s history is never easy. Ron’s passing is a loss not only for his family and friends but for Troutman as a whole. He played a pivotal role in the shaping of our our town during years of growth and change, and his legacy will be forever etched in our collective memory.”