Private Bennett "Hubert" Waters, a native of Blackshear, was born October 17, 1917, the son of James Lester Waters and Minnie L. Bennett Waters (later Kelly).
He was raised alongside his siblings, James Woodrow Waters, Jewel Eliza Waters Futch and Geneva Waters Lamb,
Prior to Private Waters remains being located, his nephews Bobby Hugh Futch, Al Lamb and Wendell Waters and his niece Sheila Lamb have also passed.
Living relatives are his nieces, Laura Waters Anderson, Blackshear, Matilda Waters Dukes, Quitman, Nell Waters Clanton, Jesup, Joann Futch Smith, Blackshear, Pam Lamb Solt, Springfield and numerous great -nieces and great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great-nephews, and great-great-great nieces and great-great-great nephews.
During World War II, Waters served in the United States Army Air Forces as a Private assigned to the 17th Bombardment Squadron, 27th Bombardment Group. His unit arrived in the Philippines in October 1941, shortly before the Japanese attack on Clark Field and the subsequent invasion of Luzon.
Following the fall of the Philippines, Private Waters was captured and taken as a prisoner of war on April 9, 1942, after the surrender of U.S. forces on the Bataan Peninsula. He was initially held at the Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp, where he remained during the summer of 1942. In 1943, he was assigned to a labor detail to assist in rebuilding Nichols Airfield under harsh conditions.
In the summer of 1944, as Japanese forces began evacuating prisoners of war from the Philippines. Private Waters was among those transported aboard Japanese vessels as part of this effort. He ultimately died while still a prisoner of war on January 9, 1945, in Takao, Formosa (present-day Taiwan), at the age of 26.
For decades, Private Waters was listed as missing in action. In a significant development, his remains were officially accounted for and identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency June 18, 2025, bringing long-awaited closure to his family after nearly eighty years. His service and sacrifice have since been recognized through official records and memorials honoring his dedication and loss.
Private Waters is remembered for his service to his country and the endurance he demonstrated under the most difficult circumstances. His story stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by members of the “Greatest Generation” during World War II.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, from the First Baptist Church in Blackshear.
Interment will be in the Blackshear City Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Honor Guard from Ft. Stewart.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is honored to serve the Waters family during this time.
