Oscar Augustus Waters

Oscar Augustus Waters was promoted on the morning of March 22, 2025, from this life on earth to eternal life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He had resided on this earth for 82 years, 3 months and 24 days. He passed away at the Community Living Center of the VA Medical Center in Amarillo.

Memorial services will be 2:00 PM Friday, April 4, 2025 at South Georgia Baptist Church in Amarillo with Pastor Mike Martin officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Oscar is survived by his 4 children; Kristi Marie (Waters) Butler and husband, Michael; Jeffery Keith Waters and wife, Kris; Karla Sue (Waters) McKenna and husband, Coner; and Anthony (Tony) Paul Waters and wife, Kailey. He has 5 Grandchildren, Shanda KayLynn Henrichs and husband, Kenneth; Kasey Marie Pohlmeier and husband, Levi; Alexander Keith Waters and wife, Katelyn; Audree Diane Waters; and Katherine (Katie) Ann McKenna. He has 6 great-grandchildren, Micah and Grant Henrichs; Ethan, Charli, Lucy, and Rossi Pohlmeier. Oscar is also survived by his 2 brothers: Robert Kenneth Waters and wife, Charrie; Harold Leon Waters and wife, Marsha; and 1 sister, Loreta Joyce (Waters) Ritter. He also has many nieces, nephews and cousins that love and adore him.

Oscar is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Loreta Waters; his sister, Lillian Loyce Waters; brother and sister-in law, Loyd Dean Waters and Thelma Joyce Waters; and brother-in-law, William (Bill) David Ritter.

Oscar was born on November 26, 1942 in Dumas, TX to Ernest Loyd Waters and Loreta Bell (Burns) Waters. He was the 2nd oldest of 6 children. The family relocated to Pampa, TX where Oscar attended school through the 11th grade. He married Saundra Pennington in 1964. She followed him to Germany, and they welcomed their 2 children, Kristi and Jeff. The family returned from Germany in 1967.

Oscar moved to Albuquerque, NM to pursue a career in auto sales. There, he met Kathy Bently and they were wed in 1974. They returned to Texas and soon welcomed their 2 children, Karla and Tony.

Oscar joined the Army in 1960 and again in 1970. He served a total of 12 years and rose to the rank of sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1973. The Army took him all over the world, including Germany, Turkey, Norway and Viet Nam, where he a member of the 101st Airborne Rangers. If you knew Oscar, you’ve heard countless stories of heroism and bravery, with a little renegade thrown in. He was a proud patriot, but a very humble veteran.

After the military, Oscar served in the Pampa Police Force. He also worked in the oil field, and as a car salesman.

Oscar accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was a child. However, Jesus came knocking on his door later in his life. This led to his sobriety in 1994, and eventually becoming the director of the Amarillo Alcoholic Recovery Center. He developed a strong passion for helping others, especially his brothers in arms. Oscar retired and immersed himself in his church work. He worked tirelessly remodeling and landscaping at his previous church before joining South Georgia Baptist Church. At South Georgia Baptist Church, his happiest times were spent working with kids. He greeted the children at South Georgia Elementary every morning for several years, until his health prevented him from continuing. He then spent his time at church working security and making sure everyone had fresh, hot coffee on Sunday mornings.

Oscar’s greatest joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He often “complained” about having to go to the store because they came over and ate all his honeybuns and Oreos. Of course, that’s one of the main reasons he had honeybuns and Oreos. He attended all the birthday parties, concerts, soccer games, and graduations that he could, and he longed for those he couldn’t.

In honor of Oscar’s love for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the countless children that have encountered him through church, the family asks that you honor Oscar by contributing to the South Georgia Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, if you so desire.

Oscar passed away, eager to go to Heaven, to meet Jesus face to face, and see his family. He often asked questions like, “Do you think they’ll be surprised?”, “Will they recognize me?”, “Will I recognize them?” Then he would smile and tell his sister that when he got there, he would never take his eyes off of them. He was ready. One of the nurses that cared for him summed it up with a Frank Sinatra song. “I did it my way”… and that he did.