Dr. Larry Charles Waters, 84, of Blackshear, passed away Friday morning, December 29, 2023, at Satilla Bluffs Senior Care in Blackshear, following an extended illness.
Born July 1, 1939, in Tattnall County, he was a son of the late J. Charlie and Mildred Durrence Waters. He was the valedictorian of the Blackshear High School Class of 1957 and received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Valdosta State College in 1961. He obtained his Doctorate degree from the University of Georgia in Biochemistry in 1965 and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. He then moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee where he worked and retired as a research biochemist for Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Following his retirement, he returned to Pierce County in 2000.
He was a member of the American Society of Molecular Biologists, the Blackshear Rotary Club, Southern Highlands Craft Guild and the Foothills Craft Guild. A highly talented craftsman, he enjoyed doing stained glass, woven baskets, pottery and carving. He also was an avid collector of art, Southern Folk Art and American Face jugs.
Through his life, he had attended Shady Grove Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Blackshear.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne Mullis Waters; son, Larry C. Waters Jr.; a sister, Mary Jo Waters Sikes and his in-laws, N.J. and Magdalene Mullis.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Terry Beam, Blackshear; threegrandchildren, Payton Marie Beam and Mary Jo Brennen Beam, both of Blackshear, and T.W. Beam (wife Toni), Calera, AL; two great-grandsons, Terryson and Truett Beam; sister, Lou Ann Carter, Blackshear; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Donald and Brenda Waters, Blackshear; sister-in-law, Shelba Bowen, Alma; brother-in-law, Jeffrey Mullis (wife Joey), Alma and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024, at the funeral home.
Funeral services be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, from the chapel of Hart Funeral Home with the Rev. Jimmy Thrift officiating.
Interment will follow in the Blackshear City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
