Thomas Lamar Waters

Tom was born on August 4, 1934, in Level Plains, Alabama, to Sydney and Mildred Waters. He spent his early childhood in Level Plains before moving with his family to Montgomery at the age of eight.

At just 16 years old, Tom answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He proudly served during the Korean War, an experience that helped shape his lifelong dedication, discipline, and commitment to service.

Following his military service, Tom earned an Associate's Degree from Montgomery Christian College. He began a distinguished career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Air Traffic Controller, serving in several locations throughout his career, including the Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center. He later moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where he served as Chief Air Traffic Controller. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in initiating radar control operations at Tallahassee Airport. After 41 years of dedicated service, he retired from the FAA, leaving behind a lasting legacy of professionalism and leadership.

Tom embraced retirement with the same enthusiasm he brought to his career. He was a longtime member of Capital City Country Club, where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf and spirited card games with friends. He was also a proud member of the Tallahassee Elks Lodge.

Above all, Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. Whether enjoying beach vacations, hosting family gatherings, attending Florida State football games, teaching his grandchildren how to play golf, or happily chauffeuring them wherever they needed to go, Tom treasured every moment with those he loved. His steady presence, generous heart, and quiet wisdom will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Sydney and Mildred Waters; his sisters, Fay Reid (Richard), Joan Adams, and Betty Waters; and Virginia Waters, the mother of his two daughters.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Waters; his children, Lynda Stover, Karen Hightower (Casey), Dean Waters (Sandy), and Don Waters; his grandchildren, Phillip Moody (Joylyn), Thomas Moody (Sara), Lonnie Waters (Paige), Brittany Jessup (Blake), and Tommy Waters (Georgia); and his cherished great-grandchildren, Michael, Amelia, Jacob, Virginia, Caroline, Emily, Annabelle, and Thomas. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom lived a life defined by service, integrity, faith, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A committal service will be held at Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32311, US, on July 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:25 am.