William Buck Waters

William Buck Waters, born in Wheeler, Texas on February 5, 1934, passed away Saturday, November 10, at Covenant Specialty Hospital in Lubbock, surrounded by family and prayer. He was the son of Texas Ranger Capt. Raymond Waters and Mae Adams Waters. Bill was the husband of Sharon McCauley Waters — they were high school sweethearts and graduates of Lubbock High School. They shared almost 65 years of marriage. After graduation from high school, Bill went on to Texas Tech where he later earned his Masters of Education. In 1957, Bill was drafted to play pro-football with the Baltimore Colts. He went on to a long football coaching career starting as a high school coach in Dalhart, Artesia, and Carlsbad. After that, he coached at the University of New Mexico. His passion for the sport influenced those that he coached and led to lifelong friendships. After a coaching career, the Waters returned to Lubbock where he became Director of Management Training at Furr’s Cafeteria. He taught Management (Hotel and Restaurant Management) in the Department of Human Sciences at Texas Tech. Bill was a member of the Masonic Hall in Carlsbad, the New Mexico Coaches Association, and First Methodist Church. After retirement, the Waters spent most all summers in Ruidoso at the Little Creek RV Park where Bill was lovingly called “Mayor” and they named a street after him called “Waters Way”. Another shared passion of the Waters was vegetable gardening — including gourds, which he turned into an art form! His decorative hand-carved gourds were sought after and cherished works of art. The Waters always enjoyed spending time with family. They have two sons: Bill Bryan Waters and wife Katrina, children Tracee and Wesley; son Byron Waters and wife Cindy, children Jason, Stephanie and Andrew; and seven great-grandchildren: Tristen and Will, Veyda and Connor, Addison, Buck and Elizabeth. He was pre-deceased by his parents, one sister, two brothers, a niece, a nephew, and the Water’s long-time four-legged friend “Freckles”. Survivors include several nephews and close relatives by marriage. A very special word of appreciation goes to Dr. Piyush Mittal who showed such compassionate care. A word of thanks also goes out to the caring staff of Covenant Specialty Hospital. There will be a come and go visitation at your convenience Wednesday, November 14 at Sanders Funeral Home. The funeral will be held on Thursday, November 15 at 2 P.M. at Sanders Funeral Home, 1420 Main Street, Lubbock, Texas. Pallbearers include Bobby Davis, Brad Reed, Brent Reed, Jason Waters, Andrew Waters and Wesley Waters. Graveside services at Lubbock Cemetery will be immediately following the funeral. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Cal Farley’s, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79174-0001, (1-800-687-3722).

William Buck Waters

February 5, 1934 - November 10, 2018