Ricky Lee Waters, 51, of Benton, died Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at the family residence surrounded by his family.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton.

He loved hunting, fishing, golfing, rafting and spending time with his grandchildren and family.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, T.O. Waters; grandparents, Roscoe and Willie Moats; aunt, Faye Waters; and first cousin, Holy Kirkpatrick.

Survivors include his wife, Dawn Naico Waters of Benton; one daughter, Krystal Wooden and husband, Mont,y of Georgetown; mother, Geraldine Moats Waters of Benton; sister, Keisa Davidson of Benton; stepbrother, Mike Waters; stepsister, Joan Beasley; three grandchildren, Noah (age 6), Austin (age 5) and Whitney Wooden (age 16); stepson, Andrew Baxter of Dalton, Ga.; and brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws: Blaine Whitt, Mike Naico, Kin Shelton and Robin Finch; niece, Chelsey Gibson.

The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. today, May 25, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Benton with Brother Patrick Burchfield officiating.

Graveside service will be private with Beau Kirkpatrick, Joe Waters, Chris Stephens, Brian O’Rourke, Kevin Calhoun and Byron Calhoun serving as pallbearers, A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the church prior to the service.

A celebration of Ricky’s life will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at Hiwassee Outfitters.

Higgins Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Waters family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.