Robert Alan Waters

ATCS (AW) Ret. Robert Alan "Just Bob" Waters passed away on April 16, 2025, following complications from a routine heart ablation procedure.

Bob was born on July 29, 1964, in Normandy, Missouri.  He was raised by his adopted parents, James and Jane Waters, alongside his older brother Jim. His childhood was spent in Missouri, Alabama, and Kentucky, where he graduated from Calloway County High School in 1982. Before joining the military, Bob worked at Godfather’s Pizza, but his true calling came on April 7, 1986, when he enlisted in the United States Navy.  Bob served with pride and honor for 26 years, retiring in 2012.  He cherished his time in the Navy, often saying that the Navy was his extended family.  

Bob was a serious leader when duty called, but he also brought immense joy and entertainment during downtime, often pulling out his guitar becoming the life of the party.  His camaraderie was unmatched, and his shipmates respected him greatly, both on and off duty with his honesty and hard work.  Bob's laugh was infectious, and you could always expect a witty remark or humorous comment whenever you were around him.

Bob dedicated service to the Navy serving in many places.  After completing A-School in Millington, TN, he reported to his first duty station with Fighter Squadron 202 Superheats at NAS Dallas, TX.  During his time in Texas, he joyfully welcomed his first two sons, James (Rob) in 1987 and Michael in 1989. In 1992, while stationed at Naval Air Facility Washington, DC, with VAQ-209 Starwarriors, he proudly became a father to his third son, Andrew.

In 1996, Bob received orders to HSL-94 Titans at Naval Air Station Willow Grove, PA. In 1997, he was selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer.  While still attached to NAS Willow Grove, he took orders to VR-52 Taskmasters.  His next assignment was at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL in 2001, where he served with VP-62.  In 2005, he was promoted to Avionics Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer.

Following this promotion, Bob transferred to Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) in New Orleans, just two months before Hurricane Katrina struck. He played a crucial role in the cleanup efforts, assisting military members and their families in returning to their homes.  In July 2008, Bob transferred to VR-62 Nor’Easters at NAS Brunswick, ME, serving as the Maintenance Senior Chief Petty Officer. In 2009, VR-62 Nomads and underwent a homeport change returning to Jacksonville, FL, where Bob eventually retired.

After retiring from the Navy, Bob worked for KBR, taking on the role of Level III Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) Analyst and P-8A RCM Team Lead.

Bob continued to embrace life to the fullest in Florida, alongside his loving wife, Yvette.  They loved spending time with their blended family, five sons, one daughter, and granddaughter, with grand twins on the way.  Bob fully embraced the Florida lifestyle, regularly hiking and enjoying the outdoors with Yvette. Bob was filled with the most joy when spending time with family and friends.  A music lover, he enjoyed attending concerts, playing guitar with his band, and entertaining friends and family.

Bob's life was filled with love, laughter, and anticipation for the future.  His energy had a significant impact on everyone he met, and he will be greatly missed.  Plans for a celebration of life will be made by his family.

If you would like to make a donation in Bob’s memory, please go to American Heart Association website, Celebrate the Life of a Loved One.

Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL  32073, (904) 264-1233, is serving the family.

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