Name: Memorial service for Victor Lewis Waters
Start: 2025-08-01T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-08-01T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Hudson Creek Lodge

Vic Waters

(April 27, 1944 - July 23, 2025)

After a lifetime of entertaining, Vic Waters has gone out on his last break.

Born in Tattnall County to Rudine Eason and R.S. Waters, Vic spent his formative years on the Sapelo River in McIntosh County before moving to Savannah for high school. He thought he was going to an art school, because Rudine said she was sending him to Benedictine Military School to "learn how to act." His need to always entertain earned him an invitation by the clergy at BC to transfer to Savannah High in his senior year where he graduated in 1962. Immediately following graduation, Vic embarked on a rock and roll career that lasted for the next 60 years.

The 1960s found Vic in the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area where he fronted several legendary bands. His time in the Impacs earned him major record label deals and a spot on the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars tour. By the end of the decade, Vic was traveling the country with an 11-piece show band, Vic Waters and the Entertainers, where he caught the eye of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Vic went on to work with the Godfather as the house band in clubs owned by James in Miami and Atlanta.

Vic's biggest success came when he moved back to McIntosh County and embarked on a solo career. He released three iconic albums in the late '70s and early '80s that were filled with songs that captured the essence of Coastal Georgia. His retelling of a legendary smuggling bust has been reprinted and lauded around the world, including a profile by the Atlanta Journal Constitution that dubbed him the "red haired Sapelo River Bard." Success as a singer songwriter led to an invitation to perform on the Grand Ole Opry where luck of the draw had him follow George Jones at the peak of the Possum's popularity. Later years found Vic continuing to write but choosing print instead of music. He wrote a semi-regular column for The Darien News and published several books including a series of novels based on life in Coastal Georgia, the Big Mud Trilogy.

Vic's biggest hit, however, was the family he raised and the community he created. Sherry Elston of St. Petersburg caught his eye in 1962 and they were married two years later. They had two sons, Shad and Mason, who conveniently grew up to be a drummer and a bass player and filled out the family band nicely. Vic went on to perform up and down the coast for many years with his sons and cemented his status as a coastal legend to many generations of fans.

Vic is survived by his wife of 60 years Sherry; his two sons, Shad and Mason (Jodi); three grandchildren, Shad Jr. (Kelsea), Georgia Blu and Eli; and one great-grandchild, Quinton. He also had 10 half brothers and sisters whom he loved dearly. He is survived by Jenny Weitman, Belinda Durden, Priscilla Rogers, Robin Smith, Reggie Waters and Ronnie Waters.

Vic Waters was not just a musician...or a writer...or a columnist. Vic Waters was an entertainer. He understood that in show business, the emphasis is always on the show. Those who knew him were always going to be entertained, whether he was on stage or off. And those who head him say, "we're gonna take a little break - be back in 15 minutes," knew that was not true, and they were fine with it because Vic never stopped being an entertainer.

The family will receive guests at a memorial service on Aug. 1, 2025.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, July 26, 2025

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Brunswick News on Jul. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Victor Waters

Sponsored by Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home & Golden Isles Cremation Center.

14 Entries

Carolyn Williams

July 30, 2025

Lord Vick will be missed by many. We all love him and his music. RIP Vic.

Belinda Thomas

July 29, 2025

Dear Vic, I was so very sad to see your obituary in the news newspaper. We never knew each other except possibly in passing, but that was many, many years ago, back during the Murphy´s Tavern days. God bless you and your family. May you rest in peace.

Inez Maddux

July 28, 2025

My girlfriends, Cindy and Zelda, went to the Brunswick Stewbaley several years back . We sat on the front row. Vic saw me and began playing and singing Amazing Grace for me with big grin of his.
Sherry ( my friend and DFCS supervisor) and Vic came to my House Warming when I moved back to Townsend.
Vic was always warm and welcoming to everyone one.
Sherry, my heart goes out to you and the boys. Tom and I are praying for you all.

Teresa Dowless

July 27, 2025

When we met years ago it was over homebrewing...my friend Bobby Wilkes had a meeting and I tagged along and after 3hrs he broke out his guitar and Mason was so small...he had plenty of stories and could make a bad day turn better...pray for peace for the family

Joe McDonough

July 26, 2025

Vic....you will be missed.
Since meeting as teens at Benedictine Military School in Savannah over 60 years ago it was always fun running into you. And we did it in lots of great places
like Darien, St Simons, Miami, Nashville Tampa, on of course on the Sapelo. All those run-ins usually culminated with a few beers and some of your great and memorable story telling. Vic you were always the most laid back and unassuming individual I ever knew and for sure you did it your way. Love you My Brother from another Mother and
I look forward to seeing you again on the other side.
Love and prayers to Mason and all the family.

Gabriel thy

July 26, 2025

Jenkins Store tore into my heart back in 1979. Never met the man who conjured up that song, but I did play ball against a couple of his brothers back during our Little League Days. Saw Vic play his guitar and sing at the 1979 Darien Shrimp Boat Festival, bought his album. For those who need to place me, though faraway now, my roots and my youth are pure McIntosh County blood and butter. Jenkins Store, what a memory! Peace out, country boy. I was a Darien kid.

Linda Newberry

July 25, 2025

Vic never met a stranger, one of the best people I´ve ever known, great musician and sweet friend hugs and prayers for all the family

Sandra Wright

July 25, 2025

So sorry, I´ve enjoyed being getting together with you and the sing alongs. You´ll will
be missed!

Gareth R.Braxton

July 25, 2025

Vic was a good friend,and he will be truly be missed,so sorry for the family,God Bless them all.

Ellie and Jim Snow

July 25, 2025

Vic was one of the first people Jim and I met when we moved to Darien and he `splained to us how things work in the South and particularly in Darien. He knew everyone and their families, too. We loved his quick wit, clever songs and steadfast love of his "community. We also quickly learned of his love for his wife and boys. We know we won´t meet anyone quite like him and we will miss him

Stanton Googe

July 24, 2025

Wow my talented God of wisdom and full of unique musical originality and close friend always told me like it was. Vic I'm going to miss you my talented friend. My heart goes out his family. If I know vic he's smiling and grabbing his guitar playing one for the masses! Love ya my brother. Thank you for all your wisdom and will miss your columns. Stanton J. Googe as he always called me The Googe is here and smile.

Kathleen Howard Davidson

July 24, 2025

Honoring the life of Mr. Vic as a fellow citizen of McIntosh County as a true music legend and extraordinary entertainer. His awesome performances will truly be missed. My sincere sympathy and condolences go out to his family. The little stage in Darien will never be quite the same without him there, playing and singing. Thanks too for all the wonderfully spun stories. May you ride the roads of Heaven on your Harley forever.

gary hart

July 24, 2025

by to a legend
from rock and fan gary hart shs

Steve English

July 24, 2025

Lordvictor you will be missed greatly, your music, your personality, and you.
May God bless you and your family.
Steve and Debra English

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