Deacon Robert "Bob" Waters

AIKEN – Deacon Robert “Bob” James Waters, 85, passed away Monday, May 7, 2018.

Bob was born in Arlington, NJ, a son of the late Joseph and Angela McFarlen Waters.  Prior to moving to Aiken, he graduated from Christ the King Seminary at St. Bonaventure University, attended Little Seminary of St. Joseph in Buffalo, NY, attended the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, and attended the School of Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill.  After moving to Aiken, Bob worked with the Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center for 28 years, having retired as Executive Director in 1996.  He was ordained as a Deacon in 1991 and served as a Deacon for St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church.  He also served as Pastoral Administrator for Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.  On April 11, 1999, he received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal under Pope John Paull II.

 He is survived by his loving wife of almost 56 years, Donna Trollinger Waters; children, John Waters, Columbia, SC, Patrick Waters, Savannah, GA, Michael Waters, Columbia, SC, Erin Waters (Johnny) Spears, Aiken, SC, Kathleen Waters (Todd) Thomas, Aiken, SC, Brian (Lisa) Waters, Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren, Bryson (Ashlee), Reid, Casey and Hayden Thomas, Brendan, Mary, Maggie and Sean Spears, Anna Kate and Callie Waters, Chloe and Emily Waters; great grandchild, Grayson James Thomas; sister, Rosemary Waters (Frank) Pagura, Elk Grove, IL; brother, Albert (Shirley) Waters, Greensboro, NC; brother in law and sister in law, John and Dixie Trollinger; numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters.

The Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the new St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, 138 Fairfield St., with the Very Reverend Gregory Wilson officiating.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

 Pallbearers will be Bob’s sons, Todd Thomas, and Johnny Spears.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of his Scripture Group, Carlos and Carol Dorthalina, Rick and Annie Luck.  

A Prayer Vigil will be held at 6:30 PM Friday evening in the Old St. Mary’s Church on Park Ave, and the family will receive friends following the service until 8:00 PM.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC.

Bob’s online guest book may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com