Buford L. Waters

Deacon Buford Lee Waters

An Ambassador for Christ

“For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.”

                                                                                                                          II Timothy 4:6

Deacon Buford Lee Waters was born in Florence County, South Carolina on October 28, 1944. He was born to the late Moffit and Velmae G. Waters. He was called from labor to reward on Sunday September 17, 2023, after an illness.

“Buford” as he was affectionately called, was educated in Florence County public schools. After his formal education and training, he acquired trade in upholstery. Within a few months, Buford became a Master Upholsterer. Buford began his upholstery career working for a local upholstery shop in Florence. He later gained employment at Laz-Boy where he retired after 36 years.  After retirement from Laz-Boy, Buford started his own business, Waters Upholstery, where he faithfully worked until his health failed.

“Buford” accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age at Saint Peter Holiness Church, Florence SC. He later joined Southern Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Green.  He was known to be a man of strength, courage, and passion. He served faithfully as a Sunday School and Bible Study Teacher and Trustee. He led the charge in calling Rev John McKinney to succeed Pastor Green as pastor of Southern Calvary and was later ordained as a Deacon.

Deacon Waters married Margaret H. Waters on October 9, 1965. This union was blessed with seven children, Norris Harley, Kimberly D. Waters, Tonya A. Waters, Harriet J. Waters, Melvin Y. Waters, Terri M. Waters and Carol L. Waters.  

He saw the community as his extended family and was known for his outreach ministry as he led several men and women to Christ. He also led several small community prayer groups and was known for his cheerful and loving personality. He spent hours investing into others to better the Florence Community and the Kingdom of God. 

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Deacon Waters was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Margaret H. Waters; three daughters, Kimberly D. Waters, Tonya A. Williams, Carol L. Woodberry; one granddaughter, Myasia A. Gregg; four sisters, Olivia F. Waters, Carolyn A. Waters, Edna Jo Waters, and Jean (Charlie) Brockington; mothers and father-in-law, Lena Mae Harley, Mary Harley and Willie Harley, Sr and other extended family and friends

Buford leaves to cherish his memories: two sons, Norris L. Harley and Melvin (Kedra) Waters; two daughters Harriett J. Waters and Terri (Wendell) Addison; a grandchild who they reared as their own, Bridgette C. Waters; a brother, Moffit (Mary) Waters, Austin, Texas, grandchildren, Tomika (Lashawn) Pearson, Brandon (Lashay) Timmons, Quinton (Danisha) Williams, Courtney Waters, Renara Burgess, DeShawn McCoy, JoJuan Williams, Emeka Burgess, Sheena (Dennis) Wilson, Shantre’ McCoy, Amanda Williams, Donte’ McCoy, Jalesa Williams,  T’Cara Waters, Alaysia McCoy, Tamier Robinson, Timothy Robinson; 24 great grandchildren;  in-laws, Mary Lee Barkus, Georgia Kelly, Nancy Harley, Norecer Harley, Dorothy Hennix, Emma James, and Barbara Hennix; surrogate daughters, Reverend Michelle Law-Gordon and Rosalyn Harrell; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The family will recieve friends at 2438 Willwood Drive, Apt. E, Florence, SC

Please keep the family of Deacon Buford Lee Waters in your thoughts and prayers.