Aubrey Lee Waters, father of islander Hazel Thies, died Dec. 26, 2002, at Webster Health Services in Eupora, Miss. Mr. Waters was 93 years old.

He was born in Evergreen, Ala., on April 16, 1909.

He was a retired employee with the Veterans Administration Hospital and a farmer, and he was an army veteran of World War II.

Mrs. Thies said that her father loved to be in the outdoors and that he spent a summer on Vashon and really loved it.

Survivors include three daughters, Hazel Thies, Helen Marr of Houston, Texas, and Brenda Vowell of Kingsville, Texas; two sons, Aubrey Earl Waters of Dallas and James Waters of Maben, Texas; one brother, Herman Waters of Semmes, Ala.; 17 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren.

Two sons, Wayne Waters and Eugene Waters, died earlier.

Visitation was at Oliver Funeral Home in Eupora, and services were later on Vashon, officiated by Pastor Neil of the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Waters was buried in Vashon Cemetery under the guidance of Island Funeral Service.