Richard L Waters Post 57

Richard L. Waters

Richard L. Waters entered military service May 9, 1942 and left for Keesler Air Force base, Mississippi. Following assignments at Salt Lake City, Utah and Blythe, California and promotion to Staff Sergeant, he lost his life in a bomber crash at Dalhart, Texas, the Saturday night of June 5, 1943. He died at the age of 34.

Richard L. Waters was named as the “Most Outstanding Student” of his 1932 graduating class from Jacksonville State Teachers College. Waters was presented $25 in gold by the Anniston Star as the student who contributed the most in acts of helpfulness to the welfare of others and the Constitution. Popular and active in athletics, Waters, in his senior year, was President of his class and business manager of “The Teacola”, the student yearbook. He had been class Vice-President in his junior year and other accomplishments included Vice-President of the Morgan Library Society, Vice-President of the “J” club, member of basketball and baseball teams, and established a record for being named Captain of the football team for three years. Additionally, he was 1^st Sgt of the local National Guard Unit, Co. “H” 167^th Infantry.

He came to Cedar Springs School as Principal and Coach in 1940, following six years of coaching at Ranburne High in Randolph county and a previous assignment at the Dar Smith School on Sand Mountain. He left for service at the close of the 1942 term.

A native of Cherokee county, Waters came to Jacksonville at an early age and resided with his family all those years at their home on North Pelham Road. He is buried at Jacksonville City Cemetery.

The sacrifice of Water’s life, in a war defending the rights of all American School students, is perpetuated by Jacksonville American Legion members in the name of their group –

The Richard L. Waters American Legion Post No. 57