Mr. Claude "Bud" Waters of 706 Gail Street, Americus, Georgia died Thursday, February 15, 2024 at his residence.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Friendship Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery in Americus, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your own mask.

Mr. Claude Waters also known as "Bud" was born November 9, 1969 in Americus, Georgia.  Mr. Claude was born to the parentage of the late Mrs. Mary Cooper and Mr. John L. Waters. He was educated in the Sumter County schools. Claude was a dedicated employee at Tucker's Lumber Company  until they closed.

Mr. Claude was known for his mechanical, building, plumbing and many other skills. He was a dedicated husband and father who was the best example of what a man should be for his family. He enjoyed fishing, joking and grilling with family and friends. He loved those around him and that love was returned to him by those closest to him. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed riding them around on the lawnmower. He had a smile that would light up the room and if you asked where his teeth were,  he would tell you to "stick your finger in there and find out".  Our father was an amazing all around person who instilled in us, that if we didn't have no one else; we always would have each other."   He wouldn't go anywhere that his family wasn't invited to go. We honor his life today, not because he was perfect, but because he was ours, "Our father!"

On Thursday, February 15, 2024 God called our amazing angel home. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Alexandria Waters; his father-in-law, Mr. Gene White; his stepmother, Mrs. Dorothy Waters; his sisters, Ms. Debra Ann Waters and Ms. Angela Wallace; his brothers-in-law, Mr. Paul Mackey and Mr. Bobby Foster; his nephew, Ty'Jerious White, whom he raised as his own; and his niece, QuanShay Wilkerson. Lastly, he is preceded in death by his aunt, Ms. Jan Waters.

He leaves to cherish his life and legacy:  his wife, Mrs. Geneva White Waters, his children, Mrs. Eierra (Kerry) Champion, Ms. Dineshia Waters, Ms.    Claudia Waters, Ms. Samantha Waters, Ms. Destiny Waters, and Mr. Donivan Waters all of Americus, Georgia.

He also raised, Mr. Gregory Williams, Ms. Tiffany Williams, Ms. Nakeithia Williams, Mr. Michael Mackey, Ms. Shakeita Mackey, Ms. Erin Davis and Mr. James White all of Americus, Georgia; his devoted sons-in-law, Mr.   Gerald Harris and Mr. Patrick Felton of Americus/Cordele, Georgia; his daughter-in-law, Ms. Taniah Reliford of Americus, Georgia; his grandchildren: La'Darian Merritt, Ke'moni Champion, Khalil Champion, Emorie White, Kayden Davis, Kholee Davis, Massiah Harris, Ivy Harris, A'ziyon Waters, Payton Felton, Chayce Felton, and Da'Kari Waters of  Americus, Georgia; his stepfather, Deacon Charles Cooper; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Leanna White;  his sisters, Mrs. Mary (Gregory) Williams, Mrs. Sabina Waters Thomas, Mrs. Latecia Waters (Troy) Chavers, Mrs. Brionca Waters (Antonio) Hunter, and Ms. Theresa Wallace of Americus Georgia and West Palm Beach, Florida; his brothers, Mr. Sammie (Shirlene) Mable, Mr. Johnny Waters, Jr., Mr. Eddie Waters, Mr. Donel (Shereika) Boother, Mr. Jonathan (Lorna) Waters, and Mr. Paul (Sheila) Williams of Americus, Georgia and West Palm Beach, Florida; his bonus sisters, Mrs. Betty (Bobby) Foster of Americus, Georgia; his sisters-in-law, Mrs. Dorothy Mackey, Mrs. Laura White, Mrs. Cassandra (Eric) Monts, Mrs. Alicia Dowdell, Mrs. Christina White and Mrs. Cathy (Morris) Brown of Americus, Georgia; his aunts, Mrs. Mattie Waters, Mrs. Polly Walker, Mrs. Lucy Dowdell, Mrs. Willie (Jessie) Bateman, Mrs. Ola Mae Lyles, Mrs. Dorothy (James) Hamilton, Ms. Patricia (David) Bell, Mrs. Evelyn (Jimmy) Asberry and Mrs. Theresa (Rick) Edwards Mrs. Mildred Styles and Mrs. Ola Mae White of Americus, Georgia/Leslie, Georgia; his uncles, Mr. Johnny (Patricia) Mable, Mr. Bobby (Marilyn) Waters, Mr. Donnie Waters, Mr. Freddy Clark, and Mr. Eddie Waters; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, to include his devoted friends, Mr. Marcus Wise, Mr. Clyde McCoy, Mr. Homer Bell, Mr. Christopher Wilkerson, Mr. Ray Jenkins, Mr. Christopher Francis and Mr. Terry Francis of Americus Georgia.