Franklin Waters

Just past noon on Saturday, August 27, 2022, Henry Franklin Waters, a loved and cherished father, papa, great-grandfather and brother finished the race and made his final journey home. Our hearts are heavy and we are saddened that we must say goodbye but we rejoice in knowing that his earthly pain has ended and he is resting peacefully in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Franklin was born to Tandy John and Lucille Parrish Waters on November 24, 1932. He grew up in Clayton and later met and fell in love with the young girl who would become his wife. On September 18, 1954 he married Patricia Hockaday and that union lasted until her death on August 27, 2018. Franklin passed away on August 27, 2022, four years to the day of Pat’s death.

Frank was a plumber by trade, working with a couple of different plumbing companies, working as a Plumbing Inspector with the City of Raleigh and later, along with his brother Bobby, founded Waters Plumbing in Raleigh NC. After retiring from Waters Plumbing, you could find him working around the home that he and Pat built on the farm where she grew up or loading up his Beagles and joining several hunting buddies to listen to the dogs run rabbits. He enjoyed working in the yard and helping Pat plant the many flowers that adorned their home.

Franklin was a lifelong member of Amelia Christian Church. He served as a deacon for many years, was an usher and was always available to help wherever needed.

Franklin is survived by daughters, Cathy Waters Whitley (Jay) of Lexington and Vicki Waters Harris, of Clayton; grandchildren, Jennifer Whitley Ward (Dave) and their son Owen Ward of Harrisburg, Brandon Whitley (Rhiannon) and their children, Carson, Ethan and Macy Whitley of Clemmons, Tyler Parrish (Jackie) and their daughter, Marley Reeves of Clayton, Garrett Parrish (Maria) and their children, Lucy and Emmy Parrish of Bremerton, Washington. Franklin is also survived by siblings, Bobby Waters of Garner, Jane Waters Jarrell (Pete) of Wilmington and James Waters (Joyce) of Hampton, Virginia.

In addition to his parents, Franklin was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Waters, and his brothers Russell Waters and Billy Waters.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at Amelia Christian Church with Brandon Patterson officiating. Entombment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, one hour prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amelia Christian Church, 1696 Amelia Church Road, Clayton, N.C. 27520 or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to the Waters family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

Arrangements are with McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton, N.C.