Zack James Waters Jr. | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Dr. Zack James Waters, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2024 surrounded by his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Debbie Waters, and his family. Born August 2,1934 in Salisbury, MD, to the late Zack James Waters and the late Minnie Helms Waters, Zack grew up in Salisbury and up and down the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. An avid hunter and fisherman his entire life, at age 15 he earned the World Record for Channel Bass, catching one weighing 83 pounds on August 5, 1949.

    His education took him to the Woodbury Forest School for high school, and then on to Chapel Hill where Zack was a 1956 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, he wrestled on the varsity wrestling team and studied pre-med. Following UNC, he attended the University of Maryland where he earned his M.D. After his residency in Augusta, GA, he served three years in the US Navy, where he was stationed in Quantico, Va, reaching the rank of Lieutenant.

    In 1979, Zack moved to Washington, NC, opened his surgery practice, and cared for and treated patients in Washington, all over Beaufort County, and surrounding areas for decades until his final retirement in 2017. His bedside manner, and attention given to his patients will long be remembered.

    In addition to his parents, Zack was preceded in death by his oldest son, Mark Craig Waters, and half-brother, Sam Wilkinson.

    Zack is survived by his wife Debbie, and sons Michael Helms Waters (Prue); Gregory "Greg" Stiegler Waters (Anna); James Matthew "Matt" Waters (Sarah Hill); daughter-in-law: Leigh Waters; nine grandchildren: Michael's children, Ross, Kate, and Annie; Greg's children, Mary Stuart (Stephen), Caleb (Hannah), McLean (Megan), and Grace; Matt's children, Lola and Lawrence; and one great grandson, Amos.

    Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices, Zack was a Tar Heel, born and bred; loved the outdoors; and loved his patients, friends, and family.

    A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the First Methodist Church in Washington, with Pastor Ken Hall officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beaufort County Humane Society, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

    Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Waters Family.