John Lewis “Chick” Waits Jr., beloved son, of the late John Lewis Waits Sr. and the late Sarah Waits Southern, was born on July 25, 1932 in Florence, AL. He departed this life on February 4, 2024 at the age of 91, in Florence, AL.
Visitation will be Friday, February 9, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park with military honors.
John grew up in the Stewart Springs and Westside area with his two sisters, the late Dorothy Waits Luster and the late Mary Catherine Price. He attended and graduated Burrell High School where he was an outstanding athlete in football. John was known and feared as a small fullback that assisted Burrell on several successful football seasons.
John later enlisted in the United States Air Force where he had an illustrious 20-year career, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant until his honorable discharge and retirement. John was later employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority as a Chemical Storeroom Clerk where he distributed and assisted chemist and chemical engineers to produce fertilizers to be utilized around the world. John served as a member of Blacks in Government until his retirement.
Although John was not a member of any organized institution, he was a devoted Christian believer. He married his lovely wife, Mattie Louise Waits on August 18, 1979. He assumed the role as father, uncle, brother-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather with love and pride.
He is preceded in death by parents: Sarah Waits Southern and John Waits Sr. Sisters: Dorothy Waits and Mary Catherine Price. Step-children: Fannie L. Minor, Marilyn C. Lewis, and James “Buddy” Minor, as well as, a host of step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his lovely wife of 44 years, Mattie Louise Waits of Florence, AL.
Nieces: Brenda (Quinton) Moses of Redland, CA and Bridget Price of Maryland. Nephew: Wayne Price of Washington D.C.
Sister-in-law: Carrie V. Grant of Syracuse, NY.
Step-sons: Ralph “Butch” (Cynthia) Minor of Muscle Shoals, AL, Bobby Minor, Willie Minor and Kenneth Minor all of Florence, AL
Step-daughters: Betty Junette (the late Edward) Key, Elizabeth (James) White, Linda Marie Williams all of Florence AL, Myrdice (Darrell ) Andrews of Sheffield, AL, Sarah “Dottie” (Ray) Phyfer of Florence, AL and Dorothy (the late James) Minor of Muscle Shoals, AL
A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and devoted friends.
