Thomas H. Waters Sr., 79, of Tucker Swamp Road, Zuni, transitioned Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at his residence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roxie Brown Waters and Ernest R. Waters Sr., and son, Jerry Waters.

He retired as a chipper with Portsmouth Naval Yard. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Gracie B. Waters, of Zuni; daughter, Gloria Winder, of Newport News; son, Thomas H. Waters Jr. (Denise), of Gloucester; stepdaughter, Patricia Hicks (John), of Franklin; stepson, Lindsie Elam, of Newport News; sister, Louise Tillery, of Suffolk; brother, Leroy Waters (Carolyn), of Suffolk; sister-in-law, Mildred Waters; aunt, Jeanette Jenkins; two special grandsons, Mark Waters and Thomas P. Waters; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at noon Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at Dunamis Christian Center, 6148 Jefferson Ave., Newport News. Bishop Madison Copeland and the Rev. James Elam will officiate. He will be laid to rest in Johnson-Waters Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.