Mahlon Earl Waters

Mahlon Earl Waters (Papa) passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024. He was born August 30, 1940, to Rufus and Ruby Crawford Waters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret Loskoski Waters. Married on April Fool’s Day, Papa always said that their marriage was no joke! Margaret and Mahlon met as teens in church, and she was the apple of his eye for the rest of his life.

Together Mahlon and Margaret raised their only son, Tony Waters. Tony and his daddy shared a love of baseball and the Atlanta Braves. They were able to attend multiple World Series and MLB All-Star games together. Mahlon’s favorite games to watch were the ones in which Tony played, beginning as a young boy in Little League all through college and beyond. Papa traveled thousands of miles over the years to attend Tony’s baseball games and would often remines those stories. Even coaching some along the way.

Mahlon’s favorite title was that of “Papa.” Those who were blessed to call him that were the most special people in his life. He is survived by five grandchildren: Ashlyn Waters, Jaydyn-Marlee Waters, Noah-Benjamin Rogers, Margaret (Maggie) Rogers, and Bo Rogers. Papa was a great grandfather to Graelyn Rogers and Alice Rose Sheriff. All of which believe he could do no wrong; and could fix anything. He is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews.

Mahlon retired from General Electric in 2000. He spent his retirement years enjoying the lake, eating Nana’s delicious cooking, growing beautiful plants in his greenhouse, and spoiling all his grands and great-grands. To Margaret’s dismay, he loved to tinker with motors and enjoyed adding them to the most random things, and letting the grandkids go for a ride.

Mahlon and Margaret were lifelong members of Lee Road Baptist Church. Over a period of 62 years, Mahlon served as a deacon, head usher, greater, and “Papa” to anyone who needed him. When asked the secret to a long and happy life, Papa responded, “I just always did the very best that I could in everything.”

In addition to his wife and son, Mahlon is survived by his sister Mary Burgess (Ted) and his brother Gerald Waters. He was predeceased by his sister Jean Sargent, his sister Betty McAbee, and his brother David Waters.

The family will receive friends at Mackey at Woodlawn on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 12:00 PM, followed by a 1:00 PM graveside service at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lee Road Baptist Church.