Donald Waters, Sr.

Donald Lee Waters Sr., 80, of Crisfield, MD, ascended to eternal life on Friday, April17, 2026 at his home in Crisfield, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and love. He was born on October 23, 1945, to the late James Butler and Irene Tilghman and stepfather, John Tilghman, Sr.

Donald was educated at Carter G. Woodson School in Crisfield until he had to begin working to help his mother provide. During this time, he began his professional journey with Jesse L. Long in Hopewell, MD and he also pursued a career in auto-body work as well. Later he joined Crisfield Head Start as a bus driver. He then became employed with Somerset County Board of Education for forty years, leaving a lasting impact on the children in the community who rode bus #1.

Donald attended Union Asbury Church in Lawsonia, MD, when he could and was always willing to do whatever, he could for the church, whether it was cutting the grass or giving a donation. He accepted Christ into his life years ago and lived as a faithful believer. He would often say he knew what God could do.

Donald was blessed to share a union of 54 years with his high school sweetheart Barbara in July 1966. From that union they were blessed with three sons, Donald, Jr., Bryant, and Ryan.

“Pop” as he was affectionately known to his children and grandchildren had a profoundly special bond and immense love for his children and grandchildren.

He would lovingly correct them in the most humble and gentle way possible. You knew you were receiving wise counsel when he would share some of his favorite phrases such as “Sit down for a minute Pal”, “Pop isn’t fussing with you, but Pop’s been around a long time”, “Pop knows what he’s talking about”, or “right is right and wrong is wrong”. Over the last few years Ryan, Jr. and RyKell had become his sidekicks and always by his side whether he was headed to a doctor’s appointment, to grab something for the bus, or a food run at Wal-Mart, from Scratch or Carry Out.

He would often say,” They’re my boys and I’m going to keep them straight”, followed by “I’ll fuss at them, but I don’t want nobody else to say anything to them”. That not only went for them but all his grandchildren.

Donald was known for his humbleness, dependability, and wisdom. He was very talkative, never met a stranger. He would talk to anyone about anything, always leaving an encouraging word or leaving some type of wisdom behind. He had a love for traveling, hats, spending time in his yard while listening to oldies but goodies, especially Aretha Franklin, and was a dedicated Baltimore Ravens fan. He and his late brother, John shared an extraordinary bond, always cherishing precious moments together, filled with laughter and joy, a true embodiment of the closet brothers you would ever see.

Donald leaves to cherish his precious memories with his two sons, Donald Waters, Jr. and Ryan Waters Sr. (Calandra); 15 grandchildren, Donald Waters Ill, Juanita Waters, Marc Fontaine, Arion Maddox-Waters, Neaven Nasuro, NeBrya Waters, BryKia Waters, Bryant Waters Jr. BryJah Waters, Tamia Barkely-Dashiell, Ryan Waters, Jr., Christian Waters, RyKell Waters, RyNaijah Waters, and RyNiah Waters; two sisters, Patricia King who he called Trish and depended on to clean and cook for him and Brenda Ames; two brothers-in-law, Robert King and Earl Tripp; four sisters-in law, Marjorie Love, Patricia Tripp, Jackie Ward, and Shirley Wing; nine great grandchildren, De’janae, l’jahnae, Cameron, JaRyah, Ryan Ill, Melakhi, Melody, Mellani, and Myeir; a special cousin, Shane Ball that he consistently praised and deeply appreciated for being an unwavering source of reliability behind the wheel and a valuable partner in various endeavors beyond the bus; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved; special friends, Charles and Lenora Jones whom he spoke with daily; special lifelong friends, Joshua and Peggy Waters, William Jones, and Eric Cuffee, whom he remained in contact with over the years; neighbors, Joyce Fitchett, Henry Fitchett, Merley (Wommie) Sutton, JoAnne Sterling, and Pearl McCready.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Waters; one son, Bryant Waters, Sr.; one grandson, Prentiss Ward; one brother, John Tilghman; two sisters. Olinda Tilghman and Iona Vass; two brothers-in law, Deacon Willie Ames and William Tripp, Jr.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Crisfield High School and Academy, 210 North Somerset Avenue, Crisfield with a viewing one-hour prior. A Visitation and Wake will be held 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Friday, May 8,2026 at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 27945 Holland Crossing Road, Marion Station, Maryland.

Interment will follow at Hopewell Cemetery in Crisfield (Hopewell), Maryland.