IN LOVING MEMORY

August 31, 1943 – November 21, 2021

Ralph Russell WATERS, 78, of Valdosta, GA, passed away on November 21, 2021, at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital, Fenton, MO. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Russ came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.

Mr. Waters was born August 31, 1943, at San Diego, CA. After graduating High School in 1961 he joined the ARMY achieved a National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Metal wr2 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal w/device 1960, 2 O/S Bars, was a Drill Instructor, Cook and Postal Worker with an Honorable Discharge on September 30, 1968. After his tour of service, he married his wife Margaret Waters for 50 years until she passed away on January 13, 2019. During that time, he worked as a Certified Welder, Plumber and spent most of his career as a General Manager for Gunn Van Lines in California, Hawaii, and Georgia. Russ retired in 2005 and settled into his homestead, “Waters Ranch” and said, “This Is It”.

He became a rancher and an avid outdoorsman, loved hunting, fishing, gardening, barbecuing and most of all time with his dogs. Hobbies he enjoyed breeding and training roosters, raising cattle and riding bulls @ Old Fort Days Rodeo in Ft. Smith, AR. He never met a stranger and enjoyed telling jokes and always took time to be there for his family and friends.
Predeceased by his wife Margaret Waters, Stepdaughter Kathleen Gunn, Stepson Daniel Gunn, Brother Lee Waters, Father Ralph Waters and Mother Bessie Baker.

Survivors include his Stepdaughter Cynthia Lowell (Bernard), Stepson David Gunn (Linda), Brother Bruce Waters, and Sister Linda Tackett. Special “Gramps” to his Step Grandchildren, Jolynn Eickmeyer, Glenn Richards, Andrea Eaton, Jennifer Cook, Michelle Gunn, Kelly Stevens, Joshua Angeles, Shauna Isbell, Joshua Isbell, and Great Grandchildren all very dear to him.
Celebration of his life will be planned at a later date,

Fill Not Your Heart
Fill not your heart with pain and sorrow,
but remember me in every tomorrow.
Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles,
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.

Although my leaving causes pain and grief,
My going has eased my hurt
and given me relief.

So dry your eyes and remember me
not as I am now, but as I used to be.
Because I will remember you all
and look on with a smile.
Understand, in your hearts,
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.

As long as I have the love of each of you,
I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.
Joey Beighley