Max Earl Waters

Max Earl Waters, 93, of Kissimmee, Florida, passed away on Christmas Day, 2025. Max was born in Level Plains, Alabama, on April 25, 1932, to Obetus J. Waters and Eva Pearl Waters (Bradley).

Graveside services will be held at First Baptist Church Level Plains on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 2:30 PM with Reverend Hubert McWaters officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory directing. A visitation will be held on Friday in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory from 1:00 until 2:00 PM.

Max graduated from Enterprise High School, Enterprise, Alabama, in 1950. After high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably in the Korean War. He was a member of the “Mosquitos”, an elite group, reported on by CBS newscaster, Edward R. Murrow. Max served as ground support, inside enemy lines, mapping locations of enemy positions, and relaying the information to T-6 Airborne. A Korean War news report stated, “The most dangerous job of the Korean War is given to the T-6 Airborne and ground crews.” … (Max would probably say, “Compared to taking the position of Principal at OHS, in 1964, it was a piece of cake!)

Max also served as a Medic, Administration Supervisor, and a Senior Radiology Specialist. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (T)1. During his service, Max was awarded the following: United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Upon returning from Korea, he met the love of his life, Julia Elizabeth Williams, and they were married on September 1, 1953. Max then attended Troy State University, on the G.I. Bill, where he also received his Masters Degree in Business Administration. He then embarked on a career in education. Max began his career as a high school teacher in Carrabelle, Florida. After 3 years, he became principal of the same school. At the time, Max was the youngest principal in the state of Florida.

In 1964, Max received a call to interview for the position of Principal of Osceola High School, Kissimmee, Florida. He accepted the position and served as Principal of OHS for the next 10 years. Max would say his days as Principal at OHS were some of the most challenging, memorable, and rewarding of his career. His students would say the same! They would also say, upon his departure, Max left OHS a better educational institution and made a memorable and positive impact on their lives.

Max also served as Principal of Highlands Elementary and Reedy Creek Elementary. In 1982, Max was planning Principal for Boggy Creek Elementary.

In 1984, Max successfully ran a campaign for Superintendent of Schools for Osceola County. Max would retire from this position after one term. This would end his career in education.

Max remained heavily involved in politics in Osceola County. He managed and advised many successful campaigns across a gamut of offices for many years.

Max’s “second career” was in residential building, which he thoroughly enjoyed for the next 15 years.

Max served as a Deacon of Neptune Road Baptist Church, for many decades, with the same passion of all his lifetime endeavors. He loved Jesus Christ his Savior and was a “true and faithful servant”.

Of the many accomplishments and successes in his life, not one brought him more joy, pleasure, and love than his family. He was totally devoted to his wife, Julia, his children, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We were, each one, blessed beyond measure to call this man, “Husband”, “Daddy”, and “Papa”. What a reunion and celebration there was in Heaven on Christmas Day, 2025. Until we see you there, We Love You and Miss You Always.

Max is preceded in death by his wife, Julia. He is survived by his children, Beverly Robinson (Harry) of Pebble Beach, CA, and David Waters (Teresa) of Kissimmee, FL; grandchildren, Mendy Riddle (Troy), Connor Janzen, Tim Waters, and J. Waters (Bailey); and great-grandchildren, Melany Waters, Emmy Kayte Riddle, Rookie Waters, and Wrigley Waters.