Billy Gene (Bill) Waters

Billy Gene (Bill) Waters passed away in the evening hours of Friday, June 17th at Riverwood Senior Living. He was a graduate of Berry College in Rome, GA where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He then completed his MHA degree from Columbia Pacific University followed by graduating from the Health Services Administration of Development program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He was a member of Rockmart United Methodist Church and served on the administrative and staff parish boards. He served in the U.S. Army as an auditor in Japan for two years and managed accounts for Maryland Casualty Company in Atlanta (GA), Phoenix (AZ), and Charlotte (NC). He retired from Floyd Medical Center (now Atrium Health Floyd) following 30 years of service where he served as Director of Personnel, Associate Executive Director, and finished his career as President and CEO.

Many accomplishments were made under Mr. Waters’ leadership during his time at Floyd Medical Center. He oversaw the expansion of services in rehabilitation, psychiatry, women’s health, oncology, diabetic care, and radiology. He oversaw the introduction of home health and hospice services, mobile cardiac catheterization, and lithotripsy. Furthermore, Floyd’s Emergency Medical Services placed ambulance satellite stations in five different locations throughout Floyd County. He also oversaw the renovation and expansion of the Emergency Care Center, the main lobby, the Outpatient Surgery Center, M-wing, and Nursery. During this time, Floyd saw the construction of a new fifth and sixth floor – the latter of which now houses a prestigious inpatient rehabilitation services wing. Mr. Waters also oversaw the construction of a parking deck, the Medical Office Building, Windwood, Shorter Medial Arts Center, Adairsville Medical Center, and sixteen Centrex Primary Care centers in the greater community. Mr. Waters always expressed great appreciation for his employees, volunteers, and other friends Floyd and the medical community in the greater community.

He served as a member of the board of directors of the State Health Strategies Council and was appointed by the governor to serve as a member of the board of directors of the State Health Council. He also served as a member of the board of directors on the Rome Chamber of Commerce, Floyd College Foundation, Rome Council for the Arts, the Berry College Alumni Association, and the Floyd County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. He was the recipient of the 1986 Appalachian Georgia Health Service Award and was award the 1990 American College of Health Care Executives of Georgia Affiliate of the Year Award.

In addition to his decorated professional career, Mr. Waters was a fun-loving individual who had an affinity for basketball, competitive tennis, cycling, community networking, and both antique and model cars. He enjoyed traveling – domestic and internationally – and collected souvenirs from various corners of the globe. He could frequently be found reading the newspaper and was an avid supporter of paper media. He treasured his family above all else and would frequently host family gatherings at any time of the year alongside his wife.

He was preceded in death by a son, Brent Eugene Waters, his parents, William Berry and Clara Eliot Fennell Waters, brothers Taft and Edgar Waters, sisters Vera Waters Smith, Velma Waters Ogden, and Hilda Mae Waters, brother-in-law Donald Eugene Tate, and former son-in-law Michael Steven Evans.

He is survived by his devoted wife Laura Janet Tate Waters of Rome; son Eric David (Kathy) Waters of Rome; Jean Waters Evans of Rome; grandchildren Laura Katherine Waters (Wallace) McKinney of Nashville; great granddaughter Mary Wallace McKinney of Nashville; William Berry (Jana) Waters of Rome; Steven Brent (McKenna) Evans of Rome; Alexis Claire Evans of Asheville, brother-in-law Claude Lee (Doris) Tate, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Rockmart First United Methodist Church with Rev. Edward Murrey officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery with Brown-Wright Post #12 American Legion Honor Guard providing military rites.

Pallbearers will include: Steven Evans, William Waters, Eric Waters, Mark Tate, Henry Mathews, Randy Turner, Wallace McKinney, and Mike Jones.

Mr. Waters will lie instate at the church on Tuesday from 1:00 PM until the funeral hour.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rockmart First United Methodist Church in memory of Mr. Waters.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Billy Gene (Bill) Waters.