Wilbur Eugene “Gene” Waters, age 92, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, in Statesboro, Ga. He was born on January 19, 1934, in Statesboro to James and Ruth Waters and was a lifelong native of the area.

Gene was a loving husband, father, granddaddy and great-granddad. He was the quiet patriarch of his family: steady, dependable and always caring for those around him in his own faithful way. He lived a full and meaningful life, working for Pan Am, serving his country in the United States Marine Corps and later finishing his working career with Sherwin-Williams.

Though Gene did not regularly attend church, Sunday morning often found him in his chair listening to several pastors on television. He had a love for George Jones and bluegrass music and enjoyed attending concerts over the years in Nashville and Myrtle Beach. He also loved traveling with his wife and family across the country and was always eager to share his love of NASCAR with anyone who would listen.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Waters and Ruth Esther Waters; his siblings, Hugh Reginald Waters, Frances Waters Strickland and Ruth Mildred Waters; his first wife, Barbara Jean Waters; and his son-in-law, Jon Todd.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Waters of Statesboro, Georgia; his daughter, Michelle Waters Todd of Savannah, Georgia; his grandchildren, Chris Todd (Victoria) of Marietta, Georgia; Stephen Todd of St. Louis, Missouri; and Shelby Todd of Frisco, Texas; Cerrie Brinson of Woodbridge, Virginia; and Jayde Brinson of Woodbridge, Virginia; his stepson, Chuck Brinson (Shannon) of Woodbridge, Virginia; and his great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Jon, Grayson, William and Emilia Todd; and several nieces.

Gene will be remembered for his quiet strength, his faithful care for his family, his sense of humor, his love of music, travel and NASCAR, and the steady presence he brought to all who knew and loved him.

The graveside service will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Savannah, Ga.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, June 25, 2026

Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.