Lorenzo Bellamy "Skip" Wyatt passed away on May 22, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee, at the age of 75. A devout Christian and believer in God, Lorenzo now lives in Heaven with his parents, Lorenzo and Louise Wyatt.

He is survived by Brenda, his loving wife of 56 years, and their two children, Lorenzo (Tamami) and Sheri. His brothers Keith (Karleen), Mark (Jennifer), and Kevin (Susan), and sister, Lorna (Rick) Holt, also survive his passing. Lorenzo and Brenda were blessed with four grandchildren, Milei, Olayinka, Hiro, and Leina

Born on December 20, 1950, in Bessemer, Alabama, Lorenzo was the eldest of five children raised upon a foundation of faith in God, commitment to family, discipline and hard work. In his early life, he witnessed the sacrifice, leadership, and wisdom of his parents, who established a school in segregated Cullman, Alabama, to empower Black children to overcome discrimination and to achieve equality in America. During these years, he earned his nickname, Skip, short for Skipper, for his passion and ability to lead and his desire to win. Throughout his life, Skip's resilience and confidence inspired him to fearlessly pursue opportunities with great risks and big rewards.

Skip graduated from Tennessee High School in Bristol, Tennessee. He earned a full scholarship to Carson-Newman College and graduated with a degree in mathematics. He served as captain of the men's basketball team during his senior year, averaged 14.4 points, and finished his college career with a program high 1,118 points. During college, Skip was introduced to Brenda Kyle, a quiet and beautiful young woman, whom he immediately fell in love with and married within a year. Brenda was the love of his life. He worked hard to give her a beautiful and comfortable life. Even in his last days, Brenda was the only person he wanted by his side and looked forward to his "sugar" in the morning and before bed.

Skip joined the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) directly after college and was part of the vanguard of Black professionals who opened doors, set a powerful example, mentored others, and transformed corporate America during his remarkable 30-year career. He advanced through sales and marketing roles and went on to master regional management positions in Dayton, Ohio, and New York City. He later served as Regional Manager for IBM's Western Division in San Francisco, California, and eventually rose to high-level executive positions, including Vice President of Worldwide Server Sales, Vice President of Worldwide S/390 Marketing, and Vice President of Worldwide Coverage Transformation.

IBM is often referred to as "I've Been Moved," which is exactly the life Skip and Brenda lived. Over the course of his career, they established homes and communities in Nashville, Tennessee; Marietta, Georgia; Springboro, Ohio; Trumbull, Connecticut; Alamo, California; and Weston and Westport, Connecticut. Both Skip and Brenda shared a love for golf, and for seven years, they owned a second home in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Skip achieved his only hole-in-one. On this journey, they gained many close, lifelong friends who have enriched their lives. IBM also afforded them opportunities to travel the world, taking them to every continent (except Antarctica), oftentimes due to Golden Circle recognition trips for the top salespeople.

After retiring from IBM, Skip applied his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to launch Mr. Handyman of Greater Fairfield County. Over the next 22 years, Skip built a highly successful franchise that included Remodeling and Energy Efficiency services and shattered franchise-wide annual revenue records to earn Franchisee of the Year honors in two consecutive years. He also joined a group of 16 investors to organize Quinnipiac Bank & Trust, where he served on its board of directors.

At the age of 30, Skip accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. He methodically read The Bible with curiosity and purpose. Skip gained personal gratification and spiritual growth by giving witness to his faith, whether by delivering layman sermons, writing and sharing prayers and poems, or ministering to others. More broadly, Skip lived his faith through his service to the community, wherever he was. He served as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Boys Choir of Harlem. Skip also was a longtime board member of First Tee - Connecticut, and Hall Neighborhood House. In his final years, Skip fellowshipped at Norfield Congregational Church, where he served on the Board of Deacons and later on the Board of Trustees.

Skip was a Christian husband and father, who demonstrated morality, integrity, and generosity, all while putting the needs of his family before his own. By his character and achievements, Skip inspired excellence within his children in their academic, athletic, and career pursuits. He exhibited pride in all their accomplishments, with their greatest being their families and seeing that Lorenzo and Sheri raised their own children with the same values he instilled in them. And, Skip showed even greater interests in his grandchildren's pursuits of sports, the arts and careers by being present at all their major events.

Skip touched the lives of so many people with more friends than one can count. He will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace and comfort, Skip.