Jackie Wayne Waters, Sr

Jackie Wayne Waters, 83, of Kannapolis, passed away on January 6, 2025 at the home of his daughter in China Grove, NC. 

Jack was born on November 6, 1941 in Stanley, NC, to the late Albert Earnest Waters and Annie Belle Brady, the 10th born of 13 children, 12 of whom preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Lutz Waters.

 Jack was a gentle and simple man who was content with living a slow-paced and simple life. He had very few wants and instead always gave thanks for what he had and was kind and generous, serving the Lord by quietly taking care of his loved ones, neighbors, and anyone else in need. 

 A hard-working man all of his life, Jack retired at 62 from The Charlotte Observer, where he worked in various capacities including in the press room, typesetting and in the reel room.

 Jack was a man of many passions. He was a talented musician and was often heard singing or playing one of his many instruments. When he wasn’t playing, he was often listening to his favorite country or bluegrass musicians at top volume. He also enjoyed classic cars, guns, watching westerns, and talking on the CB radio. He loved rocking on the back porch and spending time with his family, discussing scripture, engaging in funny banter with his wife, or just quietly soaking in the present moment (or catching a cat nap), sometimes it was hard to tell!

 Jack leaves behind his children Jackie Jr. and Pam (Kevin) Pettigrew, his grandchildren: Crystal, Amber, Olivia, Elauna, Donna, Autumn, including additional grandchildren by marriage: Robert, Randy, Tyler and Jacob. Jack was also blessed with 11 great-grandchildren: Kole, Kevin, Banks, David, Hazel, Violet, Judah, August, Archer, Eden, and Isabella. He is also survived by a sister, Carolyn, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins who held him dear.

 He fought the good fight and ran his race. He now rests peacefully, awaiting his resurrection at our Lord’s return. 

 The family will have a private celebration of life to honor Jack.