William “Billy” Elridge Atwater, Sr., 96, of Macon, died peacefully from metastatic melanoma on Sunday, February 7, 2021, while at home surrounded by his family. Son of the late James Albert Atwater and Ina Mae Favors Atwater, he was born in Macon on June 10, 1924. Mr. Atwater was a 1942 graduate of Lanier High School before entering the Army Air Corps to serve in World War II. He then married his high school sweetheart on April 30, 1945.
After completion of his service, he returned to Macon where he worked on roofing and sheet metal before learning the heating and air conditioning business at Culver-Jordan Heating and Air Conditioning. He would then become owner of Atwater-Stewart Heating and Air Conditioning Company.
He enjoyed traveling, particularly with his family for the annual vacation. He was an avid golfer and served as chairman of the Clubhouse Committee at Riverside Golf and Country Club. His other favorite sport was baseball; he served as president of Vine-Ingle Little League and announcer of the Macon Peaches. He raised his grandchildren to be fans of the Atlanta Braves. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Minnie Wade Clark Atwater of Macon; children, William E. Atwater, Jr. (Linda) of North Ft. Myers, Florida, and Deborah Ann Atwater McQueen of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren, Elizabeth “Betsy” McQueen of Macon, and Katie McQueen Amaker (Daniel) of Slidell, Louisiana; and nephew, James Robert Atwater, Jr. (Nancy) of Macon.
Mr. Atwater was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, James Robert Atwater, and his niece, Gail Atwater Waller.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 15, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at Hart’s Mortuary on Cherry Street with Dr. Richard Kremer officiating. Burial will be at Macon Memorial Park. Flowers are appreciated, and memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 804 Cherry St., Ste A, Macon, GA 31201, or Vineville Baptist Church, 2591 Vineville Ave., Macon, GA, 31204.
Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.
Hart’s on Cherry Street, Hart’s Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 has charge of the arrangements.
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