Joe W. Waters

Joe Wilbur Waters, age 81, of Forest City, NC passed away on May 3, 2021 at the Hospice House in Forest City, NC.  Joe was born on November 19, 1939 to J.W. and Naomi Flynn Waters in Sandy Mush, NC.  He graduated from Cool Springs High School in 1958 and N.C. State University in 1962 with a B.S. degree in Textiles.  He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. After a short stint with Milliken, he joined the family used car business and talked his father into selling Honda motorcycles which eventually led to an over 40-year career with American Honda Motor Company.  He founded and operated Joe Waters Honda, selling both motorcycles and cars, along with Joe Waters Auto Supply (Carquest dealer). 

Over the years, Joe raced go-karts starting at a very young age, sponsored motocross cyclists, and even built elaborate model train layouts in his spare time.  He was a member of the Southeastern Cushman Club, the Mid-Carolina Cushman Club, and the Cushman Club of America.  Joe was well-respected by his Cushman friends as an avid and expert scooterist and was admired for the very high-quality, performance, and speed of his scooters which were clearly his own creations.  His absence will be felt with great sadness.  He and his wife, Joyce, cherished the many friendships made while traveling the country throughout retirement to local and national Cushman meets. 

Joe was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Forest City, NC, and he enjoyed and appreciated the special friendships and support of members and staff.    

Joe was a loving and supportive husband, father, and brother and was an especially proud grandfather.  He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Joyce Watkins Waters; his daughter, Julie Ellison, and her husband Todd; his daughter, Susan Waters, and her daughter Alexis; and his sister, Laura Harris, and her husband Jimmy and children, Chris and Scott. 

On Friday, May 7, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in Forest City, NC, visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The Funeral service will follow  at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park (Sunset Memorial), Forest City. 

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church at 341 East Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043 or Hospice Carolina Foothills at P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.