Ernest R. Waters Jr., of 1909 Nansemond Parkway, Suffolk, departed his life on Sept. 11, 2012, at his residence of 42 years. He was born March 26, 1937, to the late Ernest R. Waters Sr. and Roxie B. Waters.

He was a 1955 graduate of East Suffolk High School. He also served in the U.S. Army.

He retired after working 35 years at Newport News Shipyard, where he served as supervisor in Department X for 20 years.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Mildred L. Waters; children, Alton Lassiter Sr. (Brenda), Shelton Lassiter (Lettie), William C. Crocker Jr., Tillie L. Watson (Wallace), Orris L. Waters (Robert), two loving and devoted sons, Donald Lassiter and Tyrone Waters; siblings, loving and devoted brother, Leroy Waters (Carolyn), Louise Tillery (Lee Otis), Roxie Gillis (Lee) and Thomas Waters (Gracie); two special granddaughters, Telfphanie Lassiter and Stephanie Wilkins Sr. (Vidal); and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one uncle, Clarence Marshall (Kitty); two aunts, Ophelia McCray and Jeanette Jenkins (Alton); two special nieces, Peggy Farrar and Janice Waters; special nephew, Alonza Waters (Dorothy); two special goddaughters, Vanessa Walker and Margaret Boone; a loving devoted neighbor of 42 years, Deaconess Elsie Copeland; a devoted pastor, Vernon Hairston Sr. and church family from Canaan Baptist Church; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at Canaan Baptist Church officiated by the Rev. Vernon Hairston. Interment will be in Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.