Hosie Nathan 'H.N.' Waters Funeral services for Hosie Nathan "H.N." Waters, 88, of Cullman County will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at First Baptist Church of Cullman, Dr. Edwin Hayes officiating, with interment in Cullman Memory Gardens. The body will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services. Moss-Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Waters passed away Monday, Aug. 16, at Cullman Regional Medical Center. He was born April 19, 1922, in Cullman County to Lavada and Thomas Waters. As a senior at West Point High School, Mr. Waters was drafted into the United States Army in November of 1942. After induction into the Army, he was sent overseas on his birthday, April 19, 1943, to serve in World War II as a staff sergeant in battles in Tunisia, Africa and Italy. Exactly one year later on his birthday, April 19, 1944, Hosie returned home to the United States because of wounds received in Italy at the Battle of Monte Casino. The military awards he received include the EAME Medal, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. Although he was unable to complete his high school education due to his military draft, he was finally awarded his diploma some 60 years later through an organization that helps World War II veterans who are denied diplomas due to their military service. Hosie was always proud of the time that he was able to serve his country but also gratified to finally receive his high school diploma. Soon after his return from World World II, he was reunited with a fellow classmate, Madie Benefield, and they were married. Longtime members of First Baptist Church, Madie and Hosie were married nearly 60 years upon her death in 2003. Known for his strong work ethic, Hosie worked for various companies in Cullman including Mitchell Motor Company and the Howard Oil Company before he opened his own business in Good Hope, The Dairy Bar. Hosie, along with his wife Madie, owned and operated The Dairy Bar in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a successful businessman, Hosie continued working in Cullman to assist his son, Jerry Mack, with his own business endeavors including the reestablishment of the Burger Chef franchise and opening of J. Mack's Hamburgers in the early 1980s. Hosie was an avid sports fan who late in life developed a love for playing golf. He also had an affinity for farming, gardening and raising cattle, which he enjoyed most all of his life. Affectionately known as "Grandad," Hosie enjoyed spending time on his farm with his four grandchildren and will be remembered for many fishing trips, rides in the pasture and vegetable gardening lessons. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He had an unfailing spirit that led him to believe in an honest day's work and always finishing what you start. He will always be loved and respected for the service and devotion he showed his family, his country and his community. Hosie was preceded in death by his parents, Lavada and Thomas Waters; his wife, Madie Benefield Waters; a daughter, Patti Waters Hollis of Atlanta, Ga.; a sister, Ruth Hale of Cullman; and brothers, C.O. Waters of Hanceville and Johnny Waters of Collins, Miss. Survivors include his son, Jerry Mack (Susan) Waters of Cullman County; four grandchildren, Carrie (Ryan) Thomas of Cullman, Emily (Steve) Tate of Atlanta, Ga.; Melanie (Matt) Townson of Cullman and Nathan (Maggie) Waters of Auburn; eight great-grandchildren, Lanie Paige Townson, Riley Caroline Thomas, Tyler Ryan Thomas, Max Wesley Townson and Addie Reese Townson, all of Cullman, S. Tilghman Tate Jr., Hollis Hill Tate and Herrin Ann Tate, all of Atlanta, Ga.; a brother, Delmar (Marie) Waters of Cullman County; and a host of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or First Baptist Church, 501 2nd Ave. SW, Cullman, AL 35055. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.