Deacon Russell Waters

Russell was the epitome of a selfless, patient, peaceful, kind and strong man.

Russell Waters was born on November 14, 1954 in Sapporo, Japan to Masako Waters and the late George Waters. He departed this life suddenly on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 in Durham, NC with his devoted wife by his side.

Russell received his secondary education at Rock Glen High School in Baltimore, MD and the Maryland Department of Education. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army where he served from 1971 to 1974. Russell also attended Arundel Institute of Technology in Baltimore, MD where he studied Computer and Electrical Engineering.

Russell had an extensive career in the trucking industry spanning over 40 years that began during his service in the military. He was most proud of his experience as the Director of Training at Transport Training School in Selma, NC and as the Operations Manager of his own trucking company, R & I Transport from which he officially retired in 2016. In 2002, Russell decided that he wanted to teach again. Being the strong, persistent, and determined man that he was, he renewed his Commercial Driver’s License in August after completing 6 months of truck driver training at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC. Russell was hired as Wayne Community College’s newest Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Instructor on October 4, 2022, just one day before he passed. He was so proud and his family is eternally grateful and happy that he accomplished his goal before he took his last breath.

On August 13, 1988 Russell married the love of his life, Imogene Williams Waters. Russell enjoyed fishing, jazz music festivals, poker, traveling, attending sports events played by his sons, daughter, grandsons and nephews. But most of all, he cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was the best father and grandfather to them that they could have ever had.

Russell was preceded in death by his father, George Waters; brothers George “Dunie” Waters and Darnell (Renee) Waters; sisters Rose Winmond and Chiecko Haney.

Russell leaves to cherish his memories, wisdom, warm smile, and unwavering love, his wife of 34 years, Imogene Waters; sons Kedrick (Paulette) Waters, Sr., Ardar Hicks, Jr., and Tavon Waters; daughters Shanique Hicks and Aquina (Abijah) Shealy; mother Masako Waters; brothers James Waters, Wayne (Aquanette) Waters, Sr., Juan (April) Waters, Sr., and Delmar Grimes; sisters Lisa Johnson, Vanessa Waters, Wanda (William) Seals, Monica (Norris Sr.) Holloway; mother in law Alverta Young; brothers in law Eddie B. Williams Jr., Ricky Hopkins; sisters in law Alesia (Alfonzo Jr.) Britt, Etta (Cornelius) Warren; grandchildren Kedrick Jr., Keandre, Jaylyn, Nyla, Kenyon, Eli, Zaniah, Jacobi, Zane, Jordyn, Aiko, Avana, and Abijah II; great grandson Kairo; special cousins Sarah Horton and Cheryl (Larry) Wallace and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Russell Waters, please visit our floral store.