Kenneth "Ken" Waters, Jr.

Kenneth “Ken” Waters Jr., a native of Florida and recent resident of Hampton, Virginia, passed away on April 29, 2026. He was 64.

Ken had a rowdy, rough presence — gentle where it counted, loyal to the people he loved, and tough enough to handle just about anything life threw at him. He was proud of his three daughters and the family they built around him. Some of his best memories came from the people who shaped him early on: boating with Uncle Dyce when no one else would take him, getting into trouble with his lifelong friend Henry Towns, and spending time with his grandfather, Clyde Waters, who remained his favorite person throughout his life.

He treasured the year and a half he lived with his daughter Amanda, helping raise his granddaughter, Paisleigh. Being part of her first year meant more to him than he ever said out loud.

Ken worked most of his life as a heavy equipment mechanic. He had the kind of mind that needed to know how things worked — always taking things apart, putting them back together, and somehow making them run better than before. He was baptized Methodist as a young boy.

He enjoyed motorcycles, animals, fishing, and being outdoors. He had a deep appreciation for anything military‑related, especially aircraft. Ken could identify a jet just by the sound overhead — a skill he was proud of.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Waters Sr.; his paternal grandparents, Mack and Naomi Waters; and his maternal grandparents, Clyde and Thelma Waters.

He is survived by his daughters Melissa Terry, Amanda Hall, and Jessica Ardito; his favorite son‑in‑law Joseph Hall; his mother, JoAnn Waters Drake; grandchildren Rachel, Paisleigh, Luca, William, Ella, Amaya, Aiden, and Key; siblings JoLynn Houk and Jason Waters; his aunt and uncle Jan and Yates Musselwhite, who helped raise him; son‑in‑law William Ardito Jr.; and his long‑time companion, Debra Taylor.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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