Pinetops -

Armon "Butch" W. Waters, Jr., age 82, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday morning, August 17, 2025. Born in Edgecombe County on August 5th, 1943, Butch was the oldest of five children of Armon and Edith Savage Waters. He grew up in the Speed/Coakley area, enjoying endless outdoor adventures with many childhood friends.

Soon after graduation from North Edgecombe High School, Butch made two important decisions that forever changed his life. He married his lasting love, Jean Boysworth and with her, raised two children and built a wonderful family life. He also embarked on a long and successful railroad career that spanned over the next thirty-three years, missing only two days the entire time. Starting as a Leverman Telegrapher with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (now CSX), Butch worked his way through the industry, learning many positions and holding different titles as he relocated to various areas as needed. Working as an Agent in Tarboro, Agent-General Yardmaster and Trainmaster-TSC in Rocky Mount, and Manager Customer Service, 111 in Jacksonville, Florida, he was an asset to his field, enjoying his work and making many lasting friendships along the way.

Retirement came at the right time for Butch as he and Jean were ready to make their way back to Edgecombe County and be closer to loved ones. Gardening, golfing and family time soon began to take up much of their days as they slowed their pace and were able to enjoy the sweet, simple goodness of retired life. Years of wonderful and precious memories were made as Butch made a lasting impact on many lives that will never be forgotten.

In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Harvey H. and Dela French Waters; maternal grandparents, Job Kitchen and Florence Felton Savage; as well as two sisters, Peggy Waters Stewart O'Neal and Faye Waters Grimes.

He leaves behind his loving wife of sixty-two years, Jean Boysworth Waters; daughter, Molly J. Waters of Pinetops; son, Armon W. Waters, III (Angie) of Ellerbe; sister, Shirley Waters; brother, Ronnie H. Waters (Glenda), all of Tarboro; and brother-in-law, Jimmy Grimes of Rocky Mount. He was especially proud to be "Granddaddy" to his grandchildren, Armon Waters, IV (Christina), Andrew Peaden, and Matthew Peaden (Shannon) and great-granddaughters, Zoe and Madison Peaden. Butch will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, family friends and other extended relatives.

A service to celebrate and remember Butch's life will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 21, 2025 at  Lakecrest Mausoleum, Edgecombe Memorial Park, 2879 U.S. 258 S., Tarboro, NC 27886. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 am.