Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Doyce Ray McWaters (1939 - 2009)

Doyce Ray McWaters, 70, of Crestview, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009.

He was born July 22, 1939 in Milton, Fla. and was a lifelong resident of Northwest Florida.

Doyce graduated from Milton High School in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Air Force proudly serving his country. After completing basic training, he trained as a Morse Intercept Operator at Keesler AFB, Ms. Upon completion, he was selected for further training as a Non-Morse Intercept Operator at March AFB, Ca. Upon completion of his specialized training he received a top secret security clearance and was sent to Karamursel Air Station, Turkey, where he performed duties that have been credited with making an important contribution to the United States effort in the cold war.

In 1961, he married the love of his life, Audrey Carol Harvell and together they raised a beautiful family. Doyce was a very proud and doting "Pop" to his two children, Pam and Todd, but his pride and joy was his "Special Angel", granddaughter, Tori Reynolds. He was affectionately known to many as Uncle Doyce and was a wonderful father figure and mentor to his many nieces and nephews.

Doyce was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. After retiring from Frito Lay in 2002, he followed in his wife's footsteps and took up the game of golf, becoming a member and part owner of Foxwood Country Club. He was an avid sports fan known to cheer on the Braves, Seminoles and Celtics. Doyce loved fishing and also had a great love of country and gospel music; his favorites were George Jones and J.D. Sumner. An accomplished musician in his own right, Doyce enjoyed playing guitar with family and many friends.

Doyce was preceded in death by his father, Malvin McWaters; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Woodrow and Gladys Harvell; brothers-in-law, Bobby and Roger Harvell, Ish Grogan; and nephew, David McWaters.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Audrey McWaters; his children, Pam Reynolds and Todd McWaters; his grand-daughter, Tori Reynolds; his mother, Maudie McWaters; his siblings, Herman (Joan) McWaters, Faye (Jerry) Waters, Dwight McWaters, Martha (Howard) Peeler, Rick (Sara) McWaters; his brother-in-law Scoot (Donna) Harvell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pall Bearers will be his son, Todd McWaters; nephews, Bradley Harvell, Chad Harvell, Drew Harvell, Derek McWaters and Jeff Lemberger.

Visitation will be at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home on Monday, Oct. 12 from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Woodlawn Baptist Church Hwy. 85 N. Crestview at 2 p.m., with burial at Harper Cemetery, Hwy. 87 Holley, Fla.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home, 436 W. James Lee Blvd. (Hwy. 90), Crestview. You may sign the guestbook and send your condolences at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

... NEWS Forwarded by Carole Kimbrough Griffin - McWaters was a classmate for a short time in '50's.

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