William R. Waters

William R. (Bill) Waters of New Bern died on August 27, 2015. He was 89.

Bill was born in Jones County, NC and was raised in Oriental. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He served in the US Navy prior to beginning his 40+ year career as a civil servant at MCAS Cherry Point. He retired in 1983 as the Director of Data Processing, the senior most civilian on the base. He received the Distinguished Civilian Service Award for his service to his country. Upon retirement he went to work as a Technical Director for Honeywell Federal Systems.

Bill’s love for God and family was expressed through service to the church and community. He was a former member of Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church. As a member of Centenary United Methodist church, he enjoyed singing in the choir and serving in various capacities.

He was a charter member of No. 7 Township Fire Department and a founding member of the local community theatre.

Bill was Treasurer Emeritus of the Sudan Shrine, a member of the New Bern Scottish Rite, Past President of the Sudan Shrine Club, Past President of STANA, Past Director of the Sudan Chef Crew, and Past Director of the Jesters. He was a founding organizer of the Curtis Strange Golf Tournament, raising over $1m for Shriners Hospitals for Children. He was also a Past Master, Secretary, and Certified Lecturer of Doric Lodge #568 A.F. and A.M.
He was an avid yachtsman, and enjoyed yearly trips to Ocracoke with his family and boating friends.

Known as ‘B-Dad’ to his grandchildren and many others, Bill is survived by Ruth Atkinson Waters, his loving wife of 65 years; daughters Ruth Ann Pinkman (John) and Beth Foley (Mike); six grandchildren – Ryan (Alli), Matthew (Laura), Shannon, Jeff (Brandi), Pat (Laura), and Michael (Angela); eight great grandchildren; and 7 nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors at 1:00 pm on Sunday, August 30 in the Chapel at Centenary United Methodist Church in New Bern, and at other times at the home.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, also at Centenary, followed by a graveside service with Military Honors and Masonic Rites by Doric Lodge #568 at Greenleaf Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, Music Ministry at Centenary United Methodist Church, PO Box 1388, New Bern, NC 28563, or the charity of one’s choice.