Robert Ennis Waters

Bob (Bobby) Waters was born and raised in Arlington, Virginia. He was the 3rd child (2nd son) born to Lawrence and Doris Carter Waters. His sister was Lora and brother Larry. Billy was born 3 years later to complete the Waters family. Bob was a man who lived his life with unequaled fierceness... loved his whole family, generous to a fault, and was a steadfast and loyal friend to many. He was a good student, made friends easily,and never met a stranger. He was an Entrepreneur long before the descriptive title was widely known. Bob had numerous and varied other jobs over the next many years. He graduated from Washington-Lee High School in 1968. In the fall he entered Northern Virginia Community College. There he met Carole and they married in January 1969. Bobby graduated with his Associates Degree in Business in 1970. Before graduation, he was hired as a telephone installer at C&P Telephone Company. That was the beginning of an impressive 30 year career in the communications field. Bob excelled as a telephone installer, repairman, supervisor, and manager in all of the companies that spun off from C&P. He made many good friends over those years, was well liked and respected for his fun personality and vast knowledge. Bob was really a homebody… Although he was one of the most widely traveled members in and out of the country, within the whole family, home was where he wanted to be. He had several businesses and large projects while holding down a full time job which kept him quite busy. His greatest accomplishment and source of pride were his children, Robbie, Amanda, and Kevin. And his grandchildren, Bobby, Adam, Matthew, Logan, and Evan. Spending time with them was definitely his favorite thing to do. Thankfully, they were able to come stay often and always for extended time over holidays and summer. Bob loved to entertain...he really enjoyed Christmas, Karaoke, the beach, dancing, gardening, and collecting many things (cars, antique tractors, houses...). After he was finally convinced he would not get seasick, he LOVED cruising! By the 2nd day at sea, he had made friends with many of the staff and was treated to breakfast delivered to him before the doors opened for everyone else! The whole family cruises were the best! Fortunately, there are many, many good times and precious memories to be treasured. Bob was awarded the Lions International Lifetime Membership, was a former member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a member of Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church. He suffered from several conditions for years. As time went by, they compounded into effecting other organs in his body. He underwent open heart surgery in 2012 from which he never completely recovered. In 2014 he suffered cardiac arrest and very nearly left us that day. Diabetes, kidney failure, on and on. His determination and confidence that he was invincible carried him through to the end. In his short 69 years he had a life well lived. His devotion to his family and friends will be cherished forever. The funeral is Tuesday, July 2nd at Murphy Funeral Homes located at 1102 W Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 at 11:00am with visitation at 10:00, and burial in National Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Merrifield Lions Club PO Box 316 Merrifield, VA 22116.