Don Wright Waters

Don Wright Waters, age 82, passed away peacefully at home in Hertford, NC, and went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Born in Ann Arbor, MI, on September 5,1943, Don was the son of the late Joseph G. Waters and Bobbie Hicks Waters, of Millen, GA.
Don grew up in Millen, GA, where he learned to trust Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. That faith has sustained him throughout his life and brought much comfort during his battle with cancer. Don was a member of Woodville Baptist Church for many years and treasured his church family, which was a great support through their love and prayers. Early in life, Don came to appreciate nature and the beauty God created. He especially loved to spend time hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He truly treasured each and every friend.
In 1964, Don enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard – Aviation, where he served with honor, and retired after 22 years of service as Senior Chief Petty Officer. During this time, he served at Aviation Training Center, Mobile, AL; Aviation Repair and Supply Center, Elizabeth City, NC; and Aviation Training Center, Elizabeth City, NC, where he was a "Plank Owner" and Instructor. Following his retirement from active duty, Don continued his service to the USCG by working as a contract employee for Aerospatiale for one year, completing modifications to the HH65 Dolphin helicopter. He then served an additional 19 years in Civil Service, performing maintenance and repairs on the HH65 Dolphin helicopter. Don loved serving in the USCG and enjoyed his USCG family, including those he was privileged to meet on the many deployments to Coast Guard Air Stations across the country, where he performed structural maintenance and repairs.
Don is survived by Barbara Dailey Waters, his devoted wife of 58 years; his daughter, Crystal Waters Rucker (Matthew) of Luray, VA; and his son, Don Wesley Waters of Gulf Shores, AL. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Allison Bills (fiancé, Nick Andersen) of Logan, UT, Don Kobe Waters (Ansleigh) of Anchorage, AK, and Hannah Waters of Gulf Shores, AL. Most recently, Don was blessed to become a great-grandfather to Don Koda Waters, who brought much joy to him. He is also survived by two very special brothers-in-law, Dean Dailey (Faye) of Millen, GA, and Russell Brantley of Waynesboro, GA, and his dear sister-in-law, Ilene Dailey of Statesboro, GA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Michael Roy Waters, and a sister, Martha Jo Brantley.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Twiford Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Steve Feehan and Pastor Marvin Ownley officiating. There will be a private burial at Oak Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, in Millen, GA, at a later date. The family will receive visitors immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online), P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC or Woodville Baptist Church, 151 Woodville Road, Hertford, NC 27944.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Waters Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Don, please visit our floral store.