Bryant Anthony Waters, Sr.

On Monday, March 10, 2025, God, in His infinite wisdom, called His faithful servant, Bryant Anthony Waters Sr., 50, home, as he quietly departed this life in Crisfield, MD.  Bryant Anthony Waters Sr. was born on October 18, 1974, to Donald Lee Waters and the late Barbara Ann Thorpe in Crisfield, MD.

He was educated in the Somerset County public school system and graduated from Crisfield High School. He completed some college courses but later decided to pursue his aspiration of starting his own business.

Bryant accepted Christ at an early age; he loved going to different churches with his mother. He later joined the Shiloh United Methodist Men Choir, where he became a secretary and a member.

Affectionately known as “Fat Kat” to everyone, Bryant held several jobs throughout his life. He worked as a security officer at UMES, served as a substitute teacher at Crisfield High School and Vo-Tech, and also worked at the alternative school in Marion Station, MD. Bryant had a passion for youth, eventually becoming the director of the Woodrow Wilson Community Center, where he dedicated countless hours to children through sports programs, after-school programs where they could do their homework, weightlifting programs, and other activities that benefited them. He organized Christmas giveaways, community barbecues, and was very active in the community.  One of his proudest accomplishments was founding “Team Hard Work.” It started in Somerset County but ultimately expanded to Worcester and Wicomico counties. “Team Hard Work” traveled extensively and won numerous basketball championships, with his brother Ryan Waters and Maurice Douglas coaching the team. Through “Team Hard Work,” Bryant met many people across the Eastern Shore, both in the basketball community and through his business endeavors. He also started his own cleaning business, securing contracts with various organizations.

Bryant had an infectious spirit; he would do anything to help anyone and had a heart of gold. When “Fat Kat” was around, you knew you were going to have a good time. He always wore a smile, loved to dress well, but was notoriously late whenever he had to go somewhere. However, once he was dressed, he was sharp from head to toe, never without his chains, pinky ring, and glasses, which he wore day and night. He loved to have a good time, enjoy dancing, and cherished his friends and family. His favorite saying was often “Huh, man?” when someone spoke to him. He loved listening to music, and although he rarely answered phone calls, he always had an excuse ready for why he didn’t.  Bryant was truly one of a kind, beloved by everyone and equally loving in return. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was immensely proud of his brother Ryan’s work coaching high school students. He was always there to cheer Ryan on, especially when Ryan’s team went to College Park. Bryant would have been ecstatic to celebrate his brother’s accomplishments, especially after winning this year’s state championship, bragging to his older brother Donald, “Little brother got one up on you, big bro,” and was ready to celebrate Ryan’s achievements.

Family meant everything to Bryant, and he cherished time spent with his children, brothers, nieces, and nephews. He would do anything for them.

Bryant leaves behind cherished memories with his children: Ne’Brya Waters, Brian Anthony Waters, Jr., Bry’Kia Waters, Bry’Jah Waters, and Tamia Barkley; three grandchildren: Melody Potter (Mel’s Bells), Melani Potter (Lani Love), and Myeir Potter (Man Man); one goddaughter, Damyzha Brittingham; his father, Donald Lee Waters, Sr.; two brothers, Donald Lee Waters Jr. and Ryan Frederick Waters, Sr. (Calandra); nieces and nephews: Donald Waters, III, Juanita Waters, Prentiss Ward, Marc Fontaine, Arion Maddox Waters, Neaven Nasuro, Ryan Waters Jr., Rykell Waters, Christian Waters, RyNaijah Waters, and RyNiah Waters; one great-nephew, Ryan Waters, III; aunts and uncles, Patricia King, Inez Marjorie Hickman, Patricia King (Robert) Tripp, Brenda Ames, Marjorie Hickenbottom, Patricia Tripp, Shirley Wing, Jackie Ward (Liddell), and Earl Tripp; two extended brothers that he was very close to, Maurice Douglas and Chestnut;  special friends known as the “Fat Kat Crew,” Brian Veney, Eric Blue, Joe Bishop, Lamont Potter, Lavar Campbell, CJ Thomas, Morris Borden, Bobby Evans, and the LA Crew. He loved them all dearly, and they loved him in return.

Bryant was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Ann Thorpe, and his uncle, William Tripp Jr., with whom he had a very special relationship with.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Crisfield Academy and High School, 210 N.  Somerset Avenue, Crisfield, MD with a viewing one-hour prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00 PM-6:00 PM Friday, March 21, 2025, at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne, MD.  Interment will be at Mt. Peer Cemetery in Marion Station, MD.