Francis Marion Waters

Published 4:35 pm Thursday, January 3, 2019

Francis Marion Waters passed away December 27, 2018 at the age of 96.  He was born July 7, 1922 to the later Arnold and Minnie Hyde Waters.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Toye Waters; daughter, Lynn Drain; sisters, Nona Stadther and Ruby (William) Byrd, and brother, Arnold Waters.

He is survived by his daughter, Sue (Mike) Adams; grandsons, Joe (Kelly) Drain, Jack Drain and Justin Drain. and brother, Yancey (Dawn) Waters.

Email newsletter signup

He was a Word War II veteran and served in Company D in the 180th infantry. He was awarded campaign ribbons for Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Southern France and Central Europe.  His combat duty began in 1944 when he landed at Anzio.  From there they advanced through Italy into southern France.  His duty ended shortly after fighting in the Battle of the Bulge.  He was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with one silver star and one bronze arrowhead.  He qualified as combat infantryman, MM rifle and Ex Heavy Machine Gunner and light truck driver.

After returning home from the war, he attended University of Alabama and after graduation he worked as an Internal Revenue Service agent until retirement.  He was proud of his military service and was a big Alabama football fan.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Selma Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cory Horton officiating.  Interment will be in New Live Oak Cemetery with Selma Funeral Home directing.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 10-11 a.m.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.