Bradford Lee Waters

Brad was born to Dallas and Pauline Waters, March 24, 1948, in New Bern. By trade, Brad was an ironworker, boilermaker, and rigger. His work enabled him and his family to experience much of the country before settling back down in North Carolina. He was an artist who saw beauty in nature and forgotten corners along the back roads of NC. He was a surfer who never stopped watching the ocean and looking for the perfect wave. He was a biker that never forgot the feeling of being on his Harley and having the wind in his face. He was a fisherman who thrived on the magic of fishing being both joyously simple and fascinatingly complex. He was a race car driver who only felt his world move that fast once.

He was a devoted husband to Sheila Edwards Waters. He fell for her the first time he met her in 1969. In 1970 he took a chance and their hearts became one within days. They cruised the back roads together listening to music for 53 years.

Brad’s favorite roles were Daddy and Grandaddy. He was always there for his daughters, Sunny Herring and Jessica Kennedy and their husbands, Scott Herring and Brian Kennedy.

And he was the proudest, most loving grandfather to Sam and Ella Herring.

He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Olesek and his brother, Doug Waters.

In keeping with his wishes, Brad’s family will scatter his ashes in the Atlantic Ocean, a place that brought him peace and tranquility. Since his passing, his family has found comfort in photos of Brad that have been shared with them. If you have any photos to share, please send them to Sunny at [email protected].

Friends are also invited to share memories and words of condolence with his family by visiting his memorial tribute at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.