Barbara McNair Waters

Mrs. Barbara McNair Waters, 86, of Newnan, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11 with family by her side. She was born December 9, 1938 in Augusta, Georgia, to the late James Leonard McNair and Margaret Jones McNair. In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years, George Donald Waters, son Lee Waters, sister Peggy Mock, and sister Linda Palmer. She is survived by her daughter, Beth Waters Moody, brother Jimmy McNair, sister Debbie James, grandchildren Sam Waters, Matt Moody, Georgiana Massad, Robert Waters, Savannah Cobb, Callie Waters and 8 great grandchildren. Barbara grew up in eastern Georgia and was a graduate of the class of 1956 from Screven County High School in Sylvania. During her high school years Barbara played basketball, was in the drum corp, gave swim lessons at the local pool and dance lessons at the recreation center. She was outgoing, popular and well loved for her spunky personality and terrific sense of humor. At the age of fifteen Barbara met and fell in love with a recent USMA graduate named George Donald Waters, also from Sylvania. The following year the two were married on July 16, 1955. Soon after, George and Barbara headed to California to begin a long career with the military. As a military wife, Barbara was charming and hospitable and always enjoyed hosting and entertaining people in her home. Together, Barbara and George had two children, Lee, born in December 1959 and Beth, born in March 1965. Barbara was an indispensable support and helpmate to George throughout his career, especially during the times of his deployment to Korea and Vietnam, raising Lee and Beth and keeping things running smoothly back on the home front. Through the years, Barbara worked as a bank clerk, a sales person, a restaurant hostess, and real estate agent. She also loved serving her community and did so as a hospital volunteer providing support to patients and their families, helped lead a college student group at Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, and spent several years as a deliverer for Meals on Wheels in Newnan. In addition to her work and volunteer positions, Barbara enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, cooking, and creating a beautiful home where she so enjoyed welcoming her friends and family. Her greatest joy in life however, was most certainly her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was fully engaged in anything they were doing. She gave of herself so generously, and with such great love and excitement. Barbara will be fondly remembered for her endearing personality, hospitality, generosity, kindness, fun-loving spirit and servant's heart. She loved and served her family and friends without reservation. Everyone loved to gather at her home knowing the door was always open, the food was plentiful and delicious, and the love and encouragement was abundant. She was dearly loved and adored and will be missed, but her heart belonged to Jesus and she is now in his presence and reunited with her beloved George, son Lee, and so many other family and friends who have gone on before. A private memorial celebration will be held by the family. Contributions in memory of Barbara can be made to Meals On Wheels of Coweta. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Barbara McNair Waters

December 9, 1938 - May 11, 2025