Joseph Thomas Waters III

Joseph Thomas Waters, 71, of Lexington, South Carolina passed away May 15, 2026, at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia. He was born on November 13, 1954, in Charleston, South Carolina to Tom and Joye (Angel) Waters.

Joe was born to sail. He started sailing at age seven and didn't stop his entire life. Joe sailed many boat types throughout his 64+ years in sailing. His sailing experience included sailing for the Citadel, Y-Flyer, Catalina 22, Capri 22, San Juan 21 National Championships, J24s, Raider Sailboats, etc. Joe started his sailing career at Helms Yachts, then opening WatersSails in 1985. Joe coached the 1996 Russian Olympic Team where they placed 2nd (their first Olympic medal). Joe created fast, designer sails but more than that he shared his knowledge of sailing freely, he had an enthusiasm for sailing that was infectious. Joe was larger than life, a good friend to everyone he met.

Joe met Linda at the Turkey Shoot Hospice Regatta on the Chesapeake Bay and married at the same regatta in 2010. They both enjoyed sailing and the outdoors (camping), the beach and road trips. Joe also enjoyed spending time with his Jack Russell Terriers, Cooper, Dally, Henry and Otis.

You are loved forever; you're in my heart always. Godspeed Joe, til we meet again.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Linda M. Waters, stepdaughter, Caitlin Meneghini (Cameron Wallace), stepson, Jonathan Meneghini (Lacy), Henry and Otis (Joe and Linda's Jack), and sister, Cindy Evans (Mike).

He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother.

A "Celebration of Life" for Joe is being planned for later this summer or early fall. Details will be sent via Facebook and email.

Memorials may be made to "Raintree Jacks" Jack Russell Rescue in honor of Joe Waters, 1913 Watkins Rd. Cassatt, SC 29032.