A word about Skip Waters | Eastern NC Now

    I am listening to the program on the eve after Skip Waters' untimely and sudden death. It has brought tears to my eyes even though I never met him personally. It is obvious how he touches Eastern NC since the early 50's.

    He was from N. Forth Meyers, FLA, a place I frequented with hurricane Charlie. The people I met there were more than nice to an outsider. I think we might be the same with him. Instead of being a "stranger among us" he made it a point to "fit right in." One of the most outstanding things said this evening is how he got in his car and went all over to see, first hand, the places he was covering with weather issues. I could tell he KNEW what he was talking about when weather got rough. He shined for me when we had the tornado this year which crossed Washington and went on toward Pantego.


    As of yet, the memorial plans are incomplete. The grief, for me and any who have invited him into our homes, is real. Most of us are saying, "This is far too soon in the early 60's of life." One never knows when their next heartbeat might be their last. It appears natural causes were part of his end. In that respect he was more than blessed! My great grandmother was fortunate enough to live to almost 101. The day she died she was dressing to get into her little garden and fell back dead. If I had my choice, that would be a real blessing from God for me.

    As a minister, I have been all over NC, SC, and GA. My most memorable public figure funeral was the Speaker of the House for SC who had the same sudden ending of life. I had, in front of me, every political dignitary in SC in the early 80's. Strom Thurmond, the Governor, the Senate President and all the others virtually filled that sanctuary. I knew ahead of time that the local friends and church members would be displaced when they were the ones who knew him best. With the help of a TV tech, we managed to have closed circuit video put together so all could see --- even if they might not be in the main Sanctuary.

    It is important for all knowing a person to have a chance to participate in the remembrances and memorial service. I trust that will be true for Skip Waters as well.

    What has struck me most since moving here in 2009 and seeing Skip each broadcast is how he seemed to know his people and be driven to make sure their safety was paramount to his personal comfort. As the Chief Meteorologist he could delegate his work to any underling---BUT he was always there to the end of the event. I was an Associate Minister getting the "dirty work" and the Senior MInister taking the credit, but Skip was the kind of person who never did such. He knew the responsibility of seniority and took it seriously.

    I am hearing now a comment relative to his age and possible retirement. He did not want to step down and God answered his prayer, in my view. "Better to wear out than to rust out" was his view of his life!

    We were blessed by his work and caring. May his tribe increase.

    Thanks, Skip Waters, for being the kind of person we all wish we might be---and NEVER bragging about it!