Screven, Ga. Elder John Roland Waters, 89, died Dec. 4, 2014, surrounded by his family at his home. A Wayne County native, he was the son of Roy Waters and Katie Woodcock Waters. He was ordained a Baptist minister in 1955 and actively served as the pastor for churches in Southeast Georgia and Florida for more than 60 years. Included were three churches in Wayne County--Salem Primitive Baptist, Jesup Primitive Baptist and Emanuel Baptist. He was a man of grace, known as a soft-spoken Christian gentleman who loved people and gave of himself, rendering knowledge and assistance wherever he believed God directed. Waters was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard in the North Atlantic, Arctic, Pacific, European, African, Middle East, and Asian campaigns. He was a bronze star ribbon recipient. He was named an Outstanding Civic Leader of America. He was predeceased by several brothers and sisters and one son, Burl. He is survived by his wife and constant companion of 72 years, Iamma Walker Waters; three sons and two daughters-in-law, John and Mary Waters of Jekyll Island, Derward Derby' Waters of Screven, and Elder Thomas and Gail Waters of Screven; one sister, Vivian W. Griffis of Jesup; seven grandchildren, Mike Waters, Amy Long, Steve Waters, Joshua Waters, Rebecca Gordon, Anna Jo Waters, Jonathan Waters; great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Matthew and David Waters, Casey and Callie Long, Jon Joseph Douglas, Bennett, Mary Claire and Katie Waters, Luke Waters, Mollie Gordon, Abigail and Brinlee Waters, Charli Waters; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at Rinehart and Son Funeral Home Chapel with Elders Al Groover, Dean Robbins and Emerson Proctor officiating. Active pallbearers will be grandsons Mike Waters, Steve Waters, Joshua Waters, Jonathan Waters, Steven Long and Sam Gordon. Visitation will be 10 - 11 AM prior to services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, 117 Drennon Drive, Jesup, GA 31545. Please sign the online guestbook at www.rinehartandsons.com. The Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements.