Harold Thomas Waters

At the age of 20 years old, Harold, joined the Army and spent 2 1/2 years in Central Europe during World War 2. He earned an EAME Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars for his contribution as a cannoneer in the Battery C 459 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. When the war was over he married his sweetheart, Wilma “Joe” Waters, in Ft. Worth, TX on November 14th,1945. Soon after, they moved to Los Angeles, where Harold got a job as a printer attendant with the Associated Press. He later became a full time photographer for the AP and they moved to Dallas where he worked out of the Dallas Morning News. They settled into work life and became parents to their beautiful and adored daughter, Terri Lynn, who they were so proud of. Harold decided to put his G.I. Bill to good use and enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. In 1956, he graduated from SMU with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Harold and Joe joined Lochwood Baptist Church, and spent many years making memories with lifelong friends and sharing the Word of God with the community. Harold won several awards for his photographs and liked to share the stories of his AP days, including the JFK assassination, Apollo Astronauts, Super Bowls, natural disasters, Olympics, famous athletes and Presidents, but it was the human interest stories he loved the most. Harold enjoyed his retirement days with his cherished bride, writing poems, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and writing down all his amazing memories to share. Harold and Joe spent over 76 blissful years together. Joe passed away March 16th, 2022 and the family is comforted in knowing they are together again, and with all who have gone before them.

A wonderful reunion in Heaven! Harold has left a wonderful legacy and stories to last generations, he was a hero to his country and to his family.

Harold’s words: “I have just finished a great trip! It’s been a blast!! God has blessed me in so many ways. Not only has he given me longevity, He has given me a host of blessings and excitement along the way.. Lord, Lord!!”

Harold is also preceded in death by his daughter, Terri. Parents, Lester and Dovie Waters. Sisters-in-law, Patsy Waters and Helen Smith.

Harold is survived by The BEST little brother, Charles Waters. Grandchildren, Russell T. Sperry, Dustin W. Sperry, and Shannon Sperry Owen. Great Grandchildren, Eli and Hannah Owen. Wyatt, Van, Rider and Kasen Sperry. Niece Tami Crowe, nephew Tommy Waters, and many grand nieces, nephews and cousins.