J. Rhett Wyatt

He was their fourth child, being the second born in California following his parents migrating from Texas in 1936. Rhett only spent a few of his younger years in San Fernando before the family packed up and moved to Bakersfield in 1946.

Rhett and all his siblings grew up at 308 Cypress Street in Bakersfield. He began to dabble in raising birds at an early age at that residence, building pigeon roosts, turkey runs, and duck ponds on the extra lot the family always used for gardening and vegetable gardens. Rhett's attention continued to be focused on birds albeit guinea hens, geese, button quail, chickens, or canaries throughout his entire life.

His Fife Canaries were his specialty, and he bred and raised them keeping impeccable genealogies on them, as we do our own families. His interest also led to him eventually judging them in local, national and international bird shows. His aviary was known nationally as “The Blue Hen Aviary”. Additionally, he had many awards to show for his ability to raise and breed exceptional canaries. Our family loved to tease him calling him “The Bird Man of Bakersfield”.

To house his birds, he enjoyed building aviaries and did that multiple times at his own homes, as well as other family member's properties. His eye for detail in building patios and laying brickwork was also one of his passions, and complimented his landscaping prowess. Being an avid landscaper, he not only ensured his properties were filled with exemplary specimens of plants and trees, but any and everyone else he could get to travel with him to the local nurseries to find plants to fill their gardens and flower beds with, too.

Rhett attended both Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield Junior College. He spent two years in the Navy after graduating High School. He was an SOG 3 (E-4), Sonarman for Harbor Defense 3rd Class Petty Officer on the USS Ozbourn, which was a Gearing Class Destroyer.

He married Patti Abbott in 1967, and that union blessed them with two children, son Robert Houston, and daughter Dallas Reedie. They began their lives in their Brimhall Rd. house. That was considered “out in the country” at the time of their marriage and birth of their children, believe it or not! There, Houston and Dallas were raised learning to care for animals, and participated in 4 H and loved showing animals when young in the Kern County Fair, with Rhett proudly looking on. Rhett took pride in teaching them animal husbandry, and eventually began raising thoroughbred horses along with his older brother, Rudy Carthal, which led them to traveling and racing favored thoroughbred “Doodle Dancer”.

Rhett was always involved with many local community activities that involved animals. As a devoted father, Rhett was also highly involved in the swimming activities of Houston and Dallas as they grew up and excelled in competitive swimming. He took them to all their workouts, and on trips to compete in meets nearly every weekend as they grew up. He always volunteered as a timer or some other kind of help at those meets. He absolutely loved his children, and never deprived them of his time.

Rhett was employed with Boydstun Realty while his children were growing up, and maintained his realtor's license from about 1965 2025. His choice of occupation suited him, as his gift for gab and meeting people was a treasured trait in that line of work. He met and knew an unbelievable amount of people and clients during his real estate career, and his children knew you couldn't go anywhere with him around town without running into someone he knew, and had to talk to!

“J. Rhett” continued to stay as active as he could for as long as his body would hold out. He was swimming a mile a day until approximately 2023 with his sister, Molly, at McMurtrey Pool here in Bakersfield. He called himself an “Ol' Water Dog”. His humor was always spot on. His hearty laugh and great hugs will always be remembered by us ALL!

He will never be forgotten, and forever remembered by his surviving children Houston and Dallas along with grandchildren Blaze, Clancy, Austin, Sierra, Seth, and Blade. He also leaves behind great grandchildren Scarlett and Rowen, along with Bailey and Boyce.