Mitchell "Mickey" Franklin Waters

Mitchell “Mickey” Franklin Waters of Watkinsville, Georgia, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021, at the age of 79. After several years of declining health, Mickey died peacefully with his beloved wife Darinda and his children by his side.

Mickey was born in Athens, Georgia, on July 15, 1942, to Frank and Donna Waters. Mickey attended Athens High School and joined the United States Army following graduation.  Mickey then married his high school sweetheart Darinda Waters, whom he remained married to for 48 years.  Mickey had four children, Candace Kopaniasz, Wilhelm Waters, Jason Brown, and Lamans Waters. Mickey was known as a friendly, loving, hardworking man among his family and friends.

He worked several different jobs during his life but was most fond of his time in the United States Army, as a worker for Reliance Electric, as a Class Checker for the UGA Athletic Association, and as a Driver for Bulldog Kia.  Mickey’s strong work ethic rubbed off on all of his children and is a tribute to how he raised them.

Mickey loved his four grandchildren, all dogs, and classic cars. He enjoyed watching sports and was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves, the University of Georgia Athletics, and any team his grandchildren played on.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Darinda Waters; children Candace (Cory) Kopaniasz, Wilhelm Waters, Jason (Stacee) Brown, and Lamans (Debbie) Waters; grandchildren Caden Kopaniasz, Jacob Brown, Cole Brown, and Nicolas Brown.  Sister-in-law Sandra Gregory and Brother-in-law William (Karen) McDaniel Jr.

The visitation will be at Lord & Stephens West Funeral Home on Saturday, August 28, 10:00-11:00 am. A celebration of life for Mickey is planned immediately following visitation at 11:00 am.  All friends and family are invited to attend. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Cancer Research Institute ( www.cancerresearch.org ) in Mitchell Waters name.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com