Gregory "Muddy" Waters

Obituary for Gregory Henry “Muddy” Waters

Sunrise: September 20, 1963 – Sunset: May 22, 2025

Gregory Henry “Muddy” Waters, age 61, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, at Emanuel Medical Center in Swainsboro, Georgia, surrounded by his family.

Born on September 20, 1963, to the late Henrietta Holloway Gamble and the late Henry Lee Waters, Greg was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, and friend. A pillar in his community and a light to all who knew him, he lived a life full of purpose, passion, and love.

Greg was preceded in death by his sister, Emma Jean Holloway Martin; his brother, Tommy Johnson; his father-in-law, Edcur Brown, Jr.; two sisters-in-law, Chondra and Gennie Warren; and a brother-in-law, Michael Brown.

Greg was a standout athlete and a proud graduate of Swainsboro High School, where he lettered in baseball, track and field, basketball, and football. His talents and dedication earned him a football scholarship to the University of Georgia in 1982, where he earned the nickname “Muddy”. At UGA, Greg was one of the Bulldogs’ top defensive players, recording 11 sacks in a single season—one of the highest in school history. Always humble and in his own words, he shared, “I’m not worried about the record, as long as we win.” Post-college Greg had a brief stint in the Canadian Football League with the Ottawa Rough Riders until a shoulder injury cut his professional football journey short. He returned home to Swainsboro and began a new chapter of service. He worked as a bailiff under Judge Kent Lawrence, a former UGA football player, then as a narcotics agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation(GBI). Later, Greg found his calling working with youth as Assistant Director of the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Parks and Recreation Department.

For nearly 20 years, he served with heart and vision, mentoring countless students and athletes. He was closely involved with the UGA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and led annual trips to Athens for local youth, exposing them to the possibilities of education, discipline through sports and sharing with them the pride of being a Georgia “Dawg.” Greg’s leadership was recognized often. In 2001, he completed the Leadership GRPA I program through the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership at UGA. He was honored with the First District’s Commitment Award in 2002 and led Swainsboro Rec basketball teams to championships in 2010 and 2016. On November 13, 2019, the City of Swainsboro officially proclaimed Gregory Waters Day, recognizing his athletic achievements and extraordinary impact on local youth. It was a testament of his impact as an exceptional athlete, mentor and leader.

Greg was a man of deep faith and unwavering devotion. As a longtime member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, he served faithfully as a deacon under the leadership of Dr. Alfred Cason. Known for his witty humor, generous heart, and fierce loyalty to the Lord, Greg lived every day with purpose. Greg lit up every room he entered and gave of himself freely to everyone around him. Above all else, Greg cherished his family. He shared an unbreakable bond with his wife of 25 years, Sandra Waters, and their beloved son, Ashton. He loved them unconditionally and made every provision to ensure their well-being and security. He also adored his siblings and extended family without wavering; his love ran deep and true. He remained deeply connected to the UGA Lettermen family, maintaining strong, lifelong bonds with teammates and fellow athletes. Their brotherhood was a source of pride and strength for him throughout his life. In addition to football, Greg had a special love for horses. He found peace in riding and was an active member of a local horse club, sharing his passion for horses and the outdoors with others in the community.

Greg’s light, his laugh, his mentorship, and his heart will be missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the youth he uplifted, and the family and friends he so dearly loved. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Sandra Waters; his devoted son, Ashton Waters; sisters, Darleen Jenkins (Calvin) of Swainsboro, GA, Cheryl Hughes (Ronnie) of Stillmore, GA, Laverne Holloway of Griffin, GA, Brenda Harris (Dana) of Wadley, GA; brothers, Willie Gamble, Jr. of Augusta, GA, Walter Gamble of Swainsboro, GA, Herbert Waters of Fort Lauderdale, FL and James (Zipporah) Gamble of Pooler, GA; his beloved mother-in-law, Emma Dawson of Swainsboro, GA; sister-in-laws, Chearl Brown of Swainsboro, GA, Farrah Warren Hawkins of New Haven, CT and Kimberly (Dexter) Freeman of Swainsboro, GA; brother-in-laws, Tony (Cynthia) Brown of Swainsboro, GA, Kenneth (Shelia) Brown of Ewing, NJ, and Ronald (Andrea) Brown of Locust Grove, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

In addition to his family, Greg was uplifted by the steady presence of two father figures—the late Coach James White and the late Desse E. Davis—who poured into him with love, wisdom, and mentorship. Beyond immediate family, Greg was surrounded by friends who became family: Anthony and Stephanie Lane, James and Erica White Jr., John Davis, Charles and Tammy Howard, Aaron and Stacey Chubb, Wycliff and Angela Lovelace, Wade and Amanda Williams, Randy and Angela Dekle, Sammy and Gayle Daniels, Cornell and Kathy Daniels, Eric Bostic, Anthony Freeman, Mark and Pamela Stroud, Calvin Lloyd, Gerald Harris, Cleve and Lawanda Howell, Cassius and Debra Osborne, Reggie and Karen Jones, Natalie Davis Linder, Giselle White Perry, Eleanor Williams, and Cheryl and Carlton Boston. They were brothers and sisters not by blood, but by bond, loyalty, and a lifetime of shared experiences. Greg was deeply grateful for the generosity and compassion of Billy and Linda Carmichael, Ronnie and Vicky Womack, Woody and Joy Nasworthy, and Susan and Ronnie Camron, their unwavering support and kindness did not go unnoticed and meant more than words could express.

Gregory “Muddy” Waters fought a good fight, finished his race, and kept the faith. His spirit remains alive in the love, and service he leaves behind. Until we all meet again, rest in the loving arms of the Lord, Gregory Henry “Muddy” Waters.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Chapman Funeral Home, 427 N. Main Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Homegoing Service will be held at St. Philip Baptist Church, 231 S. Race Track Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Interment will follow at Eastbrook Cemetery & Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be Derek Hughes, Joshua Ross, Eric Hughes, Rasheed Holloway, Gerrie Brown, Xavier Guyton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church Deacons and the UGA Letterman Club.

Flower attendants will be the SHS Class of 1982.

The family will receive friends and share repast at the St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church Social Hall.

The family of Gregory “Muddy” Waters would like to take this time to thank everyone for all acts of kindness shown to us at this most difficult time. We pray that God will continue to watch over and bless each of you. ~The Waters Family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Gregory “Muddy’ Waters, 61, of Swainsboro.