Leon Waters, Jr., 92, of Paris, Tennessee, passed away Monday, August 19, 2024, at Henry Co. Healthcare Center. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, August 24th at Quinn Chapel AME Church, 218 Church St., in Paris, TN, with Rev. Otto Wesley Duncan officiating. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:00 am Saturday at the church. Pallbearers for Mr. Waters will be Patrick D. Chase, Terrance D. Ransfer, Carrington A. Ransfer, and Chanedler D. Ransfer.
Leon Waters, Jr. was born March 3, 1932, in Paris, TN to the late Leon and Eliza Smiley Waters. On May 12, 1955, he married Evelyn Atkins Waters and she preceded him in death on February 13, 2011.
After graduating from Henry County High School, Leon enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was a proud United States Air Force veteran. This began Leon’s lifelong interest in and love of science/technology, space, and flying.
Leon dedicated 36 years of his professional life to AT&T as an electrical engineer, where his expertise and commitment were highly valued. As a part of his life of service, Leon volunteered as a facilitator and mentor for Junior Achievement; this was Leon’s way of giving back to others. After retiring from AT&T, he continued to serve his community by working as an aide for the Henry County School District, where he impacted the lives of many students, parents, and staff.
Outside of his military career and professional life, Leon was passionate about amateur radio, flying, and technology. He was a dedicated ham radio operator, often spending hours connecting with fellow enthusiasts worldwide. He was an active life member of the OMIK Amateur Radio Association, Inc. His love for flying was equally profound, and he cherished every moment spent in the sky. He earned his pilot’s license. He would pass this love of flying to his children, who have fond memories of flying with him and watching planes at Midway Airport and Meigs Field. He loved his time taking his kids with him on the weekend.
Leon Waters, Jr. was born March 3, 1932, in Paris, TN to the late Leon and Eliza Smiley Waters. On May 12, 1955, he married Evelyn Atkins Waters and she preceded him in death on February 13, 2011.
Mr. Waters is survived by two daughters: Annette Waters (Patrick) Chase of Clinton, MD and Felecia Waters (Terrance) Ransfer of Houston, TX; daughter-in-law, Angela Waters of Jacksonville, FL; four grandchildren: Carrington A. Ransfer, Chanedler D. Ransfer, Whitney A. Waters, and Tralanenia Reeves; great0grandchild, Gwynn Marie Waters; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Besides his parents and wife, Leon was also preceded in death by his son, Michael Waters; sister, Clara Coleman; and brother, Collin Watters.