Richard David Waters, 1927-1990

Playwright, director, actor, genius, pastor, friend: these are just some of the terms used to describe Dick Waters. We came to know him in many roles, all of which he played well and to the fullest until his final curtain call. Dick was one of God's special performers, and God provided him with unique gifts to fit the various roles he was called to play in life.

A native of Lynchburg and a graduate of Lynchburg College, Dick first went to Hollywood to direct one act plays for television, Later, he wrote and directed television drama for the National Council of Churches and entered the ministry in 1958. While completing his theological studies at Boston University and pastoring two Cape Cod churches, he founded a small theater group. "The Fisherman's Players," one of the nation's earliest religious drama companies, was established as a seasonal theater company and church outreach program that produced Dick's original plays. These dramatizations addressed contemporary issues, provided biblical interpretation, and were performed on tour before churches of all denominations, and at various colleges and universities. His more than 30 thought-provoking plays produced both laughter and tears and always left his audiences with much to think about. He often utilized his gifts in drama while pastoring churches in New England, on the Eastern Shore, and Portsmouth districts of Virginia. Many viewed his plays which addressed concerns of society as "prophetic sermons."

Dick and Maria Manos were married in 1955 and shared as partners in ministry for 35 years. Three sons, five foster children, and numerous others who came to know him as father figure and close friend profited from his wise counsel.

Dick will be remembered not only for his contributions as a pastor and playwright, but also for his enormously high energy level, his professional dedication to excellence, his passion, and eloquence. Following the funeral celebration on August 29 in Trinity United Methodist Church, Smithfield, a friend commented, "Both in his relationships and his dramas, Dick shaped strangers into friends." In his play "The Storyteller," Dick wrote, "We are stories, we tell stories, we become the stories we tell." He became the story he told by reaching out to others, and ministering in one of the roles he knew best as one of Christ's servants. In remembering his life and witness we recall that his was "a faith journey well lived."

-R. Franklin Gillis. Jr.