Robert Earl Waters, 1942-2020

Robert Earl Waters, age 77 of Rye passed away Sunday, Jan. 5. He was born Feb. 15, 1942 in Shreveport, Louisiana, to parents Jesse James and Ottie Naomi Waters who preceded him in death along with his sister, Frances Clemons; brothers, James “Peewee” Carl Waters and Arthur Lee Waters; mother-in-law, Pauline Walls; and sister-in-law, Pauline Stephenson.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gladys Marie Adams Waters; eight daughters, Belinda Breaux and husband Andrew, Sissy Schulba and husband Werner, Robin Mitchum and husband Danny, Melissa Stephens and husband Troy, Lucinda Salazar and husband Kenneth, Felicia Abbott and husband Donald, Michelle Merritt and husband John, and Loretta Nash and husband Jason; along with 23 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and numerous other relatives and friends.

In 1967 Robert began his career in construction. Robert was known for tinkering with any and everything he could get his hands on. His ability to work well with his hands made him an expert in his field. Robert was a lifelong member of Pipefitters Local Union 211 in Deer Park. In 2017 Robert celebrated 50 years membership with his fellow pipefitters. Robert was presented with a watch which he cherished and took great pride in wearing. In his spare time Robert enjoyed working with his tractor, trips to casino, fishing, hunting, country music, Nascar and spending time with family at his home in Rye. He liked driving fast and was known to be “lead-footed.” Mr. Waters was a loving husband, father and worked hard to provide for his family whom he loved dearly. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Cleveland. Pastor Brad Dancer will officiate over services to be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, at Pace-Stancil Chapel, Cleveland. Interment will follow at Waters Family Cemetery, Rye. His grandsons, who will serve as pallbearers, are James Hagler, Robert Breaux, Dillon Mitchum, Trey Stephens, Justin Stephens, Anthony Salazar, Bryant Abbott, Adam Abbott, Aaron Nash, Trevor Nash and Noah Nash.