Robert Waterbury

ROBERT ELLIS WATERBURY June 16, 1931 to January 17, 2021 Robert (Bob) Ellis Waterbury, 89, of Gulfport, MS, went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 17, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Eugene and Lola Diller Waterbury of Norfolk, Nebraska; sister, Eldora Wieting of Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Celia Stewart Waterbury of Gulfport, five children, Bobby Waterbury (Lynne) of Clinton MS, Kathy Waterbury of Jackson MS, Beverly Payne (Reece) of Norfolk, VA, Margaret Shore (Bob) of Gulfport, MS, and Scott Waterbury (Jill) of Brandon, MS.

He is survived by 10 grandchildren, Jenny Buchanan (Philip), Madison, MS, Katie Hoggatt (Philip) Madison, MS, Christy and Mathew Payne, Norfolk VA, Michael Shore, Clinton, MS, Eric Shore, Gulfport, Zach Shore (Cassidy), Gulfport, Kyle, Alex, and Andi Waterbury, Brandon, MS.; and 3 great grandchildren, Kade Buchanan, Jackson and Tyler Hoggatt.

Bob was born in Sioux City, Iowa later moving to Norfolk, Nebraska. Always a superb athlete, he excelled at golf, track, basketball, baseball and football. He attended Norfolk Jr. College where he was a standout point guard for the basketball team and instrumental in the team making the regional playoffs. He was an accomplished center fielder for his semi-pro baseball team and tried out for the Brooklyn Baseball Dodgers major league team in 1949. Bob joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base where he met and later married coast native, Celia Stewart. Upon leaving the service, he completed his college training at the University of Southern Mississippi receiving a degree in Accounting and Business Administration. After graduation he began a successful 34-year career with the Internal Revenue Service. Following his retirement from the IRS, he became the Director of the Gulf Coast Crime Commission where he worked for over 15 years. Bob was a devoted servant in Broadmoor Baptist Church in Gulfport where he served in many roles including Church Treasurer, Trustee, Chairman of the Deacons, and as an interim music director. Bob coached elementary football and basketball teams at East Ward Elementary in Gulfport and served as a field official for 27 years for Gulfport High School track meets.

He loved his wife and children and he was always there for them. He was an encourager. He has set a standard for his children to follow with their families, and left his legacy of dedication with all that have known and worked with him. We are encouraged that he is now with his Heavenly Father after a life so well lived and served.

Due to Covid-19, the funeral service will be family only. Interment will be at Coalville Cemetery in Woolmarket.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is serving the family.

Memories and photos may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com