David Waters Sr.

Dave Waters, 96, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, in Grayson, Georgia—just 12 days shy of his 97th birthday. Born in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky on August 21, 1928, Dave lived a long, full, and meaningful life marked by service, faith, love, and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Stella (Hall) Waters, as well as his brothers AB Waters, William “Buddy” Waters, Charles Waters, Tommy Waters, Howard “Cotton” Waters, Edgar Waters, and Ron Waters; and sisters Della Snook and Stella Mattingly.

Dave was a devoted husband twice in his life. He was married to Vonetta (Kerrick) Waters for 41 years, from March 24, 1951, until her passing on November 12, 1992. Together, they raised one son, David Waters, Jr. He later married Dorothy (Hester, Vance) Waters, sharing 27 years of marriage from August 5, 1995, until her passing on March 23, 2023.

He is survived by his son, Dave Waters, Jr. and his wife Jo Ellen Waters of Monroe, GA; his beloved granddaughter Kami Von Parsons of Lexington, KY; and two great-grandsons, Jackson Parsons and Johnathan Parsons. Dave also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as sister-in-laws Carolyn Waters, Donna Waters, and Merita “Frankie” Spena.

A proud veteran, Dave served 22 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1973 as a Senior Master Sergeant. He began his military career stationed at Hunter AFB during the Korean war preparing for missions to Korea, where he was a tailgunner on B-29's and B-50's, before transitioning into administrative management, aerospace air control, and finally serving as the Air Force Recruiting Supervisor for the State of Kentucky.

Before his military service, Dave worked various jobs with grit and dedication—breaking concrete for the L&N Railroad, building barrels at Jim Beam Distillery, and stocking and driving trucks for Murray’s Grocery Stores.

A man of deep faith, Dave was ordained as a Baptist Deacon at Ives Dairy Road Baptist Church in North Miami Beach, FL, in 1985, where he also served as School Superintendent for the church's K–12 school. Education was important to Dave. While stationed at Fort Lee, VA, he earned college credits in accounting and business administration from the University of Virginia and the University of Maryland.

Dave was a Master Mason, having begun with the Ancient Landmark Lodge #231 in Savannah, GA, and was later honored as a Shriner through the York Rite at the Oleika Temple in Lexington, KY. He was also named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Louie B. Nunn, a recognition of his lifelong commitment to community and service.

Throughout his life, Dave never stopped pursuing his many interests. From square dancing in his youth (and even at his 90th birthday party), to gardening wherever the military sent him, Dave cultivated joy, crops, and community. After his retirement, he worked alongside his brother Charles at a forklift and marine lift company in Miami, FL, and later operated an antique store with his wife Dorothy near their Smiths Grove, KY farm. He loved auctions, coin collecting, fishing, hunting, leatherworking, and golfing—especially during his time in Montana, Iowa, Virginia, and Florida.

He remained a loyal Atlanta Braves and Kentucky Wildcats basketball fan and kept a close eye on world events with an ever-curious mind and a lifelong love of the news.

Above all, Dave Waters was known for his generous spirit, kind heart, deep faith, and a contagious laugh that could brighten any room. He was a storyteller, a steady presence, a devoted family man, and a friend to many.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

A celebration of life for Mr. Dave Waters Sr. will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Louisville Memorial Gardens West, 4400 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 PM prior to the celebration of life at the funeral home. Inurnment of ashes will be held following the celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations in Dave's memory be made to POJC Ministries, 514 Eastabuchie Road, Petal, Mississippi 39465.