William A. McWaters Jr.'s Obituary
A devoted family man, decorated Naval officer, and community servant, William Alexander McWaters, Jr. died peacefully on June 27, 2024. William (Bill) was born July 24,1930 in Baker, Oregon to Pearl and William McWaters. He moved to Montgomery, Alabama as a young boy, and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School before attending Emory University and the University of Alabama. He began his Naval career and his Commission in Alameda, CA in 1952 where he flew the P2B patrol plane, and served in numerous duty stations from Japan, Alaska, South America, Panama, and many others. It was on a visit back home to Montgomery, that he met his beloved Louise “Bebe” Smith, and they were married in 1954. Bill and Bebe danced through life (literally & figuratively) and traveled the world together along with their three children: Bill III, Nancy, and Lee. An advocate for education and taking college courses wherever he lived, Bill finished his final degree in Political Science at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. Bill served his last tour of duty at NATTC in Millington, TN where he was Officer in charge of the Avionics School at Millington Air Base and was awarded the Navy Meritorious Service Medal. After serving for twenty-five years in the Navy, Bill retired in 1977, and began a new career as a builder, designing and building hundreds of homes throughout the Memphis and Bartlett area.
A member of Independent Presbyterian Church, Bill, who was affectionally called “Grumps” by all who knew him, delivered Meals on Wheels with his son, Lee, for over thirty years. His final retirement opened the door to spending more time with family and their wide group of close friends playing tennis, bridge, and travel. There was a joyous reunion when Bill joined his precious wife Bebe of 69 years and his beloved youngest son, Lee, who both recently preceded him in death.
Bill is survived by his children: Bill III (Penne), Nancy (Tim); eight grandchildren, Will Cowan, Drew Cowan (Briana), Hunter Cowan (Miller), Alex McWaters (Sydney), Thomas McWaters, Smith McWaters, Boo McWaters, Billy McWaters; four great-grandchildren, Caroline Cowan, Chase Cowan, McNeilly Cowan, and William A. McWaters V. He is also survived by his sisters Jean (Whit) Stuart, Joan Easterling, and many adoring nieces and nephews.
A graveside Service for family and friends will be held at Memorial Park on Poplar, Monday, July 1, at 10 am, followed by a reception at Independent Presbyterian Church (4738 Walnut Grove, Memphis, TN).
The family requests that Memorials be sent to MIFA, Independent Presbyterian Church,4738 Walnut Grove, Memphis, TN 38117, St. Georges Independent School, 1880 Wolf River Boulevard, Collierville, TN 38017 or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are trusted with Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38119. "Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924"
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?