McAdory Fire Chief Jeffrey Wyatt remembered for his passion for the community, the fire department and his family

The McAdory community, family, friends and Jefferson County first responders honored McAdory Fire Chief Jeff Wyatt on Monday after he passed away on April 4 of a heart attack.

The family released a statement saying, “On April 4, McAdory Fire Chief Jeffrey Ray Wyatt was working a shift at the firehouse. He complained to his colleagues of having difficulty breathing. When he arrived home after his shift, he walked up the stairs and set his briefcase down. He then fell back down the stairs when he suffered a massive heart attack.

A family member found him approximately 45 minutes later, and he was rushed to Medical West Health Center, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. His funeral was held Monday at the Baptist Church at McAdory.”

Chief Wyatt served the McAdory Fire District for 20 years and led a department that answered more than 1,200 calls for help in 2021.

He was born on Nov. 29, 1972, to Harvey O’Neal and Joan Wyatt and was raised in Bessemer. He served as a volunteer firefighter for McAdory Fire from 1988-2006, earning the title of Volunteer Fire Chief. He then completed recruit school in 2006 as the Fire Chief of McAdory. Wyatt served the community for 34 years.

He was most known for his passion for those around him – the community, the fire department and his family. He was dedicated to serving the ones around him with love and joy. Jeff spent his free time camping, fishing and planning Saturdays full of grilling and Crimson Tide football.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Neal Wyatt. He is survived by his wife, Katie Wyatt; his children and stepchildren, Josh, Zach, Kyden, Khloe and Adalyn; his brother, John David Wyatt and his children, Brodie, Allie, and Lucas Wyatt.

Jeff Wyatt married Katie Ryals on April 2, 2016. Together they completed their family. Jeff brought Josh and Zach, and Katie brought Kyden and Khloe. Together, they had Adalyn. His passion for his family was undeniable. He loved them well and made his family his first priority.