Robert Henry Waters, 74, of Waxhaw and Monroe, N.C., died following a brief illness on June 7, 2021. Bob was well known for his jewelry-making and woodworking skills. A large and colorful character, he was often seen overhanging his small scooter on the streets of Waxhaw. He loved riding a motorized chair down the aisles of Harris Teeter where he had many friends in the seafood department. He could easily eat 100 raw oysters in an hour. He preferred his crabs to have their "mustard." Bob was adopted at birth on January 25, 1947 in Goldsboro, N.C. His adoptive parents, the late Ruby "Bea" and Ed Waters of Lumberton, N.C. told Bob that his birth mother was a beautiful woman. Bob didn't know just how beautiful until the fall of 2013, when a half-sister located him and sent (word? a photo?) of his birth mother. Bob is survived by his step-daughter, Wendy Capozzi and husband, David of Monroe, N.C. along with numerous grand-and great-grandchildren. Bob did not have any children of his own and considered Wendy as his daughter. He is also survived by his half-sister, Pamela Barefoot and two other half-siblings. He was predeceased by a paternal half-brother. Bob was graduated from The Citadel in May 1969 and enjoyed a career as a popular broadcaster in Wilmington, N.C. and Charleston, S.C. In a 1990s newspaper interview, he admitted to being adopted and didn't care to know anymore than that. But when his new sister found him, he was delighted to learn that he was a "love child." At age 66, he even got to meet his birth mother and spend a couple of days with her. Bob's ashes will be spread on the graves of his four parents. Memorial donations may be made to the animal shelter of one's choice.

Published June 18, 2021 by The Citadel Alumni Association and accessed June 19, 2021.