Avis de décès de Michael-Alan Waters

Michael Alan Waters VALDESE, N.C. - Mr. Michael Alan Waters, 60, of Valdese, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2015 at Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, following a courageous battle against cancer. Michael was born in Elizabeth City, NC November 17, 1954, to the late Jake Waters and Mary Zelle Clonch Leonhardt. He was a member of Drexel First Baptist Church and was previously employed as a landscaper. Mike was a 1973 graduate of Drexel High School who earned a football scholarship to the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. After a devastating injury ended his football career during his freshman year at USC, Mike continued his studies at USC and received his degree in Journalism. Although Mike could no longer play football, he later became an accomplished amateur boxer. He was the SC Amateur Champion in the heavyweight division in the 80's. Whom he was always there for and survived by, his children, Brittany Alan Waters of Solana Beach, CA and Michael Jacob Waters of Cardiff, CA. Mike also is survived by two sisters and one brother, Debra Battle of Forest City, and Darja Leonhardt of Valdese, Charles Benjamin Leonhardt, III. Also surviving are numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews and relatives. Prior to his final Hospice admission Michael remained in the care of Darja, and her children, Nichole and Chase. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Drexel First Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Duncan, Jr. presiding. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care and Drexel First Baptist Church Food Mission, PO Box 308, Drexel, NC, 28619. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Waters Family.