Gary Hartley Waters

Gary Waters, 68, of Abingdon, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Dorothy Waters; his first wife, Brenda Rhoton Waters; and his sister-in-law, Linda Rhoton.

Gary’s working career began at a young age as a photographer with the Kingsport Times-News while earning his B.S. degree (Magna Cum Laude) from ETSU. He spent several years in a variety of manufacturing positions in the dairy and bottled water industries before becoming employed by the Virginia Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired in Bristol. It was there that he found his true calling.

As a child, Gary experienced a severe vision impairment that presented developmental learning challenges, which he was able to successfully overcome. Other personal experiences related to caring for disabled family members, combined with his servant’s heart, gave him special compassion and instincts to assist and teach those with various disabilities. Even though he was awarded a U.S. patent for a Thaw Indicator Unit and served as a Board Member and Executive Committee member for the Cancer Outreach Foundation, the title he was most proud of was “teacher.”

Left to cherish his stories and memory are his beloved pets; his wife, Drema, and her family members; Gary’s siblings and their families, including his brother, William Waters (Sylvia) of Knoxville; sister, Deborah Reiff (Bob) of Blacklick; and sister, Tina Davis (Tucker) of Kingsport; special friends, Leigh and Jimmy Hobbs of Bristol; as well as countless friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched in some way.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA. The family will receive friends that day from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., followed by a short service at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel with Pastors Stephen Talbert and Bill Bryan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washington County Department of Social Services (Adult Protective Services), 15068 Lee Highway, Suite 100, Bristol 24202.

“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near.” Philippians 4:4–5 (TPT)