Clarence Delane Waters, 77

Mr. Clarence Delane Waters, 77, of Wadley, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 29, 2024, at his home. Graveside service was held Sunday, August 4, at 2 p.m. at the Wadley City Cemetery with Reverend Mark Hardin officiating.

Delane lived all his life in Wadley. He worked as a self-employed contractor for more than 40 years, serving many members of his local community. In addition to being a hardworking man, Delane had many outside interests. He was an avid fan of racing and enjoyed dirt track racing and Nascar. Delane enjoyed gardening, especially growing and canning tomatoes. He loved history and was a collector of antique bottles and stone jugs. Throughout the course of his life, Delane amassed a vast collection of “treasures” including antique bottles and stone jugs, found while diving and snorkeling in the local creeks and rivers. He was a great storyteller and loved sharing stories of his adventures with his family. Delane was a people person and never met a stranger. He would strike up conversations with anyone he met. Delane’s friendly nature and good humor earned him quite a few nicknames over the years including De, Uncle De and even Tater Pie. He was married in 1976 to Marie Black and their marriage spanned 48 years of love and laughter. De and Marie spent many years fishing and enjoying races together in addition to raising their daughter Laurie. Delane was good at teaching life lessons. He taught his wife how to fish and drive a car and taught his daughter many things, like snake identification and how to hold salamanders, but mostly, they shared a bond and friendship that surpasses words. Delane loved his family dearly and was thrilled to add his son-in-law and granddaughter to his family. He then received the affectionate nickname of Pops. Pops taught Travis about antiques, bottle collecting and treasure hunting, and they spent hours talking and bonding over their mutual hobby. Delane taught his granddaughter many life lessons over the years with the most important being to “always have some toting money” and “always carry a survival cake.” He was a light to everyone he knew, and his love and laughter will forever be missed. Mr. Waters is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Waters and Essie Mae Waters; and brothers, Wayne Waters and Houston Waters.

Mr. Waters is survived by his wife; daughter, Laurie Hutchins (Travis); granddaughter, Bailey Hutchins; nieces, Megan Waters and Meredith Waters; sister-in-law, Vicki Waters; niece, Jennifer Waters; sister-in-law, Sandra Waters; great-nieces, Ava Cliatt and Chelsea Waters; and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements.