Bruce Waters

Mitchel Bruce Waters slipped from the loving arms of his wife, Wilma, to the healing arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, January 10, 2014, at the Veteran’s Hospital in Fayetteville, AR. After a three-month illness of pancreatic cancer, Bruce is again strong, healthy and talking to anyone in heaven who will listen.

Born on December 17, 1946 to Mitchel Bruce and Lula Clark Waters, Bruce was raised in Fort Smith and attended Northside High School, graduating the last year Fort Smith had a single graduating class. After graduation, Bruce attended Westark Community College and then, to fulfill his patriotic duty during the Vietnam era, he joined the U.S. Navy. Bruce served three years assigned to the USS Chicago. During this time, his ship spent time patrolling the shores of Vietnam. Following his service in the Navy, Bruce began his career at Dixie Cup where he worked until his retirement.

Bruce was immediately recognized by his large jug of water. If you saw Bruce, you saw his water jug.

Bruce loved to joke and he kept his humor to the very end, reminding his sister, she could play any music in his hospital room, just not the Beatles.

Bruce loved visiting with everyone, stranger or friend, and would discuss any topic. If asked a question about a topic he didn’t know the answer to, he wittingly fabricated one so convincing you would almost think he was correct.

In his spare, time he liked to fish in his pond anytime the sun was shining. His rod and reel were always on his 4-wheeler ready to go. He also enjoyed his computer. He was a self-described computer “expert”.

Bruce was a self-taught musician. He loved pickin’ with the George Brothers of Eureka Springs or anyone who would stop by his house. He played the guitar, the banjo and his own handmade dulcimer. His talent was passed to his grandson, Britton, who loved to “jam” with Bruce.

Bruce loved to “tinker” with broken things and sometimes could actually fix them. His wife referred to his work garage as a “NO ENTER ZONE”.

One of his latest joys was his motorcycle. After years of trying to persuade his wife to let him purchase one, she finally consented if he would promise to wear his helmet when he rode. He was able to make several trips on his bike before he became ill and one of his favorite trips was with his daughter to Natural Dam.

Bruce is survived by his wife of forty years, Wilma; two daughters, Jamie Waters of Greenwood, and Amie Rogers of Greenwood; and one son, Chris Waters and wife Cris of Alma; five grandchildren, Britton Shrum, Logan Gregory, Devyn Gregory, Connor Waters and Jonathan Adkins, and one great-granddaughter, Isis Mae Shrum; a sister, Karen Malone and husband whom Bruce considered a brother, Perry Malone; a nephew, Joe Reynolds and wife Koell; a niece, Sarah Reynolds; a great-niece, Eadyn Tallon; and a multitude of friends whom he loved as family.

Bruce was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and best friend anyone could ever want. If you met Bruce, you had a friend for life. Although he is gone, we will never forget him. He loved life and lived it to its fullest. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff on the Palliative Wing at the Veteran’s Hospital in Fayetteville for their care, love and comfort to Bruce and his family. Their dedication to the health and care of our veterans is exemplary.

Bruce will be remembered at his funeral 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Chapel.

His visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2014 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Alma Chapter, 6307 Alma Hwy, Alma, AR 72921.

Burial will be at the Barling Cemetery at a later date.