Oxford, NC--David R. Waters died Sunday, October 29, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away as he wished, comfortably at home surrounded by loved ones. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, colleague and friend to many and will be truly missed.
David graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the UNC School of Law. Upon graduation in 1973, he began his practice of law in Roanoke Rapids. However, he soon realized that his true calling was in the courtroom, first as a prosecutor and then as a defense attorney. In 1979, he was elected District Attorney for Granville, Vance, Warren, Franklin and Person Counties which then comprised the Ninth Judicial District. He held that position until his retirement in 2001. He was a leader as a District Attorney and was a founding member and past president of the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys. Waters was also inducted into the Order of the Longleaf Pine, an award given to someone with a distinguished record of service to the state.
Almost immediately upon retiring as District Attorney, David transitioned to a second career as a defense attorney. He was a founding partner of Perry & Waters, LLP. He mentored many young lawyers and always took the time to advise them about the right way to practice law. He was respected for his skill, but even more so for his integrity. David practiced law and tried cases right up to the day he learned of his illness. David was most recently recognized as a fifty year member of the North Carolina State Bar, an accomplishment that he most deservedly earned.
He is survived by his wife, Susan; his son, Michael Waters and his wife, Bridget of Oxford; his daughter, Jennifer Story and her husband, Tim of Mebane; and grandchildren, Carson Elizabeth Story, Benjamin Boyd Waters, and Hunter Harrison Story. His children and grandchildren brought him great joy, and "Big Dave" never missed an opportunity to celebrate them. He is also survived by three siblings, Linda W. Long, Diane W. Davis, and Jonathan C. Waters. He was predeceased by his parents, Cyril and Nancy Waters of Littleton.
David loved spending time at the beach with his family and close friends, cheering on the UNC Tar Heels and exploring local history. He was truly one of a kind, and his warmth, wit, wisdom and kindness will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate to have known him. David's life and career will be celebrated with a gathering at the Warren County Superior Court Room on Thursday, November 9th at 2 p.m. He will also be remembered at New Hope United Methodist Church on 3609 US Hwy 158 in Roanoke Rapids on Friday, November 10th at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends after both services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2117, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, or the North Carolina Legal Education Assistance Foundation (NCLEAF) at
ncleaf.org. The Waters family is being served by Sossamon Funeral Home of Henderson.
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