Gary Emmett Waters

Gary was born on March 15, 1942, in Chattanooga, TN to the late Charles “Charlie” Ray and Eva (Nell) Holder Waters. In addition to his parents, Gary was met in Heaven by his beloved grandmother Dolly Bell Hester Holder.

Gary served his country in many ways, first in the U.S. Navy serving on the U.S.S. Huse, and after completing his enlistment, he joined the U.S. Air Force Georgia Air National Guard. He received Honorable discharges from both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. He continued his career in government service and retired from Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) as a Radiological Protection Officer. His responsibilities included radiation/nuclear detection & safety for the state of GA. He coordinated actions with multiple state & federal agencies such as US DOT, FEMA & EPA for emergency preparedness & response for natural disasters or nuclear attacks. He also taught emergency personnel (police officers and firemen) on radiation exposure and testing for that exposure.

Gary was an extremely smart man. He was an avid nonfiction reader. He loved knowledge. Everything he learned, he taught himself. He was a musician, singer, producer, manager, business owner, landlord, coach, teacher, photographer, mechanic, and handyman.

But, more than anything else, Gary was the most devoted family man. He absolutely lived for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He spent the majority of his retirement with family and going to his grandchildren’s cheerleading, sports games and school functions.

Gary's legacy of love and service lives on through his wife of 61 years, Beverly "Joan" Wilder Waters, his sons Kevin Eric Waters, Jameson "Alan" Waters (Lisa) and his daughter Sheila Lanette Waters Humphreys.

Cherished memories are also held by his grandsons Brian Alan Waters (Jacklyn), Bradford "Brad" Elliott Waters, Gavin Blake Waters, Justin Topasna (Ashley), granddaughters Ansley Hannah Humphreys, Chloe Madison Humphreys, Brandis Gonzalez (David), Tatim Kilosky, as well as 5 great grandchildren Jayden Topasna, Emaries Topasna, Maxine Gonzalez, Jolie Topasna, Jaxon Topasna and his brother Kenneth "Ken" Eugene Waters (Linda).

The family has asked that anyone who wishes to honor Gary's memory may do so by contributing to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his name.

A visitation for Gary will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Haisten Funerals & Cremations, 1745 Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM. A committal service will occur Friday, January 5, 2024, at 1:00 PM at West Hill Cemetery, W Emery St, Dalton, GA 30720.