Stuart Alan Waters, 72, of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on June 3, 1954, in Richmond, Virginia, Stuart was the son of John William Waters, Jr. and Florence Wagner Waters. He grew up in Short Pump alongside his large family and graduated from J.R. Tucker High School in 1972. During his school years, he proudly participated in the J.R. Tucker High School Marching Band, an experience that helped shape his lifelong appreciation for music, friendship, and community.

On September 14, 1974, Stuart married the love of his life, Courtney Bryan Boggs, whom he met while attending J.R. Tucker High School. Together they built a marriage grounded in love, loyalty, laughter, and family. They resided in Midlothian, Virginia for more than four decades. Stuart's greatest source of pride and joy was the life he and Courtney created together and the family they nurtured.

A dedicated tradesman and respected labor leader, Stuart devoted 52 years to the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 10. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned the admiration of colleagues across the industry for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the men and women he represented. He served as Local Union 10's longest-running Business Manager for 24 years, advocating on behalf of union members and their families. Stuart also served on the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada's Arbitration Committee, where his fairness, wisdom, and experience earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. His professional legacy is one of service, mentorship, and dedication to improving the lives of others.

Stuart is survived by his children, Amy Stuart Waters, Jill Courtney Waters, and Alan Chadwick Waters; his son-in-law, Matthew Rooney; his daughter-in-law, Page Klein Waters; and his beloved grandchildren, Taylor Jo Blessing and Colton Waters Blessing. He is also survived by siblings Jeffrey Mark Waters, Brion Lee Waters, Vernon Scott Waters, Sharon Kaye Waters, and Gregory Paul Waters; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who were fortunate to know and love him.

Stuart was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Courtney Boggs Waters; his parents, John William Waters, Jr. and Florence Wagner Waters; his brothers, John Raymond Waters, Kenneth Warren Waters, Neil Randall Waters, Russell Ware Waters, Douglas Owen Waters, and Donald Wayne Waters; his nephew, Neil Matthew; and his loyal dog, Buddy.

Those who knew Stuart will remember him as funny, loving, dependable, and fiercely loyal. He was a natural storyteller, a jokester who could make people laugh when they needed it most, and a thoughtful mentor who generously shared his wisdom and guidance. He was a strong leader, a devoted family man, and a friend who could always be counted on. While his stubborn streak was legendary, it was matched only by the depth of his compassion and the strength of his convictions.

Outside of work, Stuart found happiness in the simple things he loved most. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and Miami Dolphins and cherished spending time at the beach in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina and with his favorite dog, Buddy. He enjoyed crabbing, fishing, and gathering with friends. His soundtrack included music by The Eagles, Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, and the Oldies. A man of Catholic faith, Stuart carried the values of family, hard work, and service with him throughout his life.

Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Humane Society of your choice.

Stuart's life was defined by love-for his family, his friends, his profession, and the communities he called home. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, humor, leadership, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.