Carrel D. Wyatt always knew his calling in life: to serve people during their darkest times as they buried their loved ones. His journey began in 1966 when he graduated from John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science in Nashville, TN. Upon graduation, Carrel returned home to Opp and started working at Ranier Funeral Home with Mr. Sam Ranier, who instilled in Carrel a sense of professionalism and attention to detail that has defined his career. During his tenure at Ranier Funeral Home (1966-1977), he served as mortician, manager, and a stakeholder in Dixie Investments, a local business group that owned Ranier Funeral Home and Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens and Monument Company.
In 1997, Carrel and his wife Mary, along with partners George and Neva Pierce, co-founded Wyatt-Pierce, Inc. A year later, they opened Wyatt Funeral Home on Florala Highway/331 South in Opp, where it continues to provide dignified services to this day. In 1999, Wyatt-Pierce, Inc. acquired Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens and Monument Company. In recognition of their dedication, Wyatt Funeral Home was named Business of the Year in 2021 by the Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrating their reputation for compassion and professionalism.
Carrel has spent over 57 years in the funeral business in Opp, with more than 55 of those years as a licensed mortician. Before earning his license, he worked unlicensed under the guidance of a family friend who was a mortician and in Nashville while attending mortuary school. In those days, he worked on an ambulance service and even delivered a baby. His dedication and extensive experience in the profession earned him statewide recognition, particularly through his service to the Alabama Funeral Directors Association. Carrel spent seven years as an officer in the AFDA, beginning as District Governor in 1993 and culminating as Immediate Past President in 1999.
Beyond the funeral profession, Carrel has consistently given back to his community through numerous civic and professional organizations. He is a charter member and Vice-President of the Opp Kiwanis Club and has served on the boards of a local bank, the Opp Chamber of Commerce, and the Opp Co-Op in the late 1970s. He has also been awarded his 50-year pin at Opp Masonic Lodge 605, reflecting his long-standing commitment to the principles of the Masons.
Carrel is an unwavering supporter of Opp City Schools, contributing generously to their band programs, booster clubs, fundraisers, and yearbooks. His contributions extend to the City of Opp, where he has supported various events and projects. He takes great pride in supporting those who have supported him and his business.
Carrel has served the people of Opp and the surrounding area with unwavering compassion, loyalty, and professionalism. He believes that being a mortician is a calling and serves families with love and support. He’s proud to call Opp home, always willing to help anyone in need without seeking recognition. As he often says, “Being a mortician isn’t just a job; it’s a calling.” He continues to find immense fulfillment in his profession, providing a vital service to his community with unwavering dedication. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024.
