Freddie Gene Waters, of Harrison, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center.  He was 78 years old.

The son of Roy B. and Eileen (Henderson) Waters was born on February 24, 1945 in Wayton, Arkansas.

Freddie began working at an early age when he traveled with his family to pick berries and cotton in Oregon and California.  Later he worked for a variety of companies before becoming a flooring installation specialist for Waters Floor Covering where he worked with his brother for 37 + years.  His skill and determination to ensure the job was done right made him much sought after in his craft.  He loved farming, tending to his cattle and gardening.  But above all else, he loved his wife and best friend, Bessie, and was happy to be doing whatever she wanted to do.  He invested himself into this family and friends and always stood ready to help anytime help was needed.

Freddie was a "Jack of All Trades" and master of them all; be it mechanical, carpentry, electrical, plumbing or just figuring out how to make things work.  He was a kind and gentle soul with an abundant supply of patience and truly believed that "a job worth doing was worth doing right".  He was a great man and a friend to many.  Freddie was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wallace Waters; sister-in-law, Billie Waters; infant brother, Roger Waters; and a nephew, Austin Waters.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Bessie Waters; two sons, Ricky (Cindy) Waters and Ronald (Jana) Waters; one brother, Teddy (Wilma) Waters; eight grandchildren, Brooke (David) Steeneck, Lauren (Justin) Shearer, Zack Waters, Mason Waters, Garrett Waters, Dewayne Henderson, Wesley (Laiken) Henderson, and Allen (Vanessa) Henderson; 20 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, December 22, 2023 at Coffman Funeral Home of Jasper from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Funeral service is Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Coffman Funeral Home of Jasper.  Pastor Tony Taylor will officiate. Burial will be in Wayton Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Bradley Waters, Cody Waters, Allen Henderson, Dewayne Henderson, Zack Waters, and Mason Waters.  Honorary pallbearers include Dayton Waters, Garrett Waters, Justin Ritter, Drakelyn Shearer, the CCU Nursing Staff at NARMC, and Amanda Martin.