Richard Thomas Waters passed away at his home in Columbia, SC, on March 2, 2021 at the age of 89. He was born in Atlanta, GA and was a son of the late Roy O. and Helen Gillespie Waters. Richard and his family moved to Sumter, SC in 1978 with his company, H & R Metal Fabricators.

He is survived by his spouse, Shirley A. Waters; sister, Mary Ann Cox, of Atlanta; his daughter, Cathy Lynn Banks (Rev. Dennis B. Banks); and son, Richard Michael Waters (Robin Waters); he is also survived by his grandchildren, Alicia Edwards, Angela Hobgood, and Richard Waters; great-grandchildren, Derek Banks, Matthew Richburg, Caitlyn Richburg, Haley Dunlap, Jared Artz, Kasey Artz, and Ryan Waters; great-great grandchildren, Emma, Avi, Lilith, Everleigh, and Jay. He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Joyce Carlan, of Atlanta.

He loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart and was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbia. He was passionate for all his family. Richard was an avid golfer and member of Sunset Country club in Sumter, SC. He was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. To his family, he was and will always be their heartbeat. He loved life, travel, and people. His presence among us will be greatly missed but the memories will be with us forever.

The family will receive friends Sunday, March 7th, from 4 until 5:30 o'clock, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The graveside service will be held on Monday, March 8th, at 12 o'clock, at Evergreen Memorial Park, 802 N Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150, with the Rev. Dennis Banks officiating. Mask and social distancing are required. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be made available by visiting his tribute page at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Choir, 1306 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29201.