Former Hall BOE member dies

GAINESVILLE - A former longtime member of the Hall County Board of Education has died.

Bill Waters, who was 68, died at his home Saturday following a sudden illness. Waters served on the county school board for 15 years and was the owner and operator of Waters Grocery Store for 20 years.

"Dub" Jones taught Waters at Riverbend High School before serving with him on the school board and said that, while they didn't always agree, he respected Waters integrity.

"One thing I always admired about him was whether you agreed with him or not, he would give you his opinion right up front. You always knew where he stood," said Jones. "He was highly opinionated. He would not change if he thought he was on the right track. He defended his principles as a board member."

Jones said that Waters was progressive, supported academics and athletics, but was also friendly and jovial.

"He was one of the nicest guys I ever met. He liked to tell jokes and have a good time. he was just a regular guy," he said. "He did a lot for the Hall County School System. I think he was as good a board member as we've had in a long long time."

Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 at Dewberry Baptist Church #1. (A complete obituary can be found on our Obituaries page).