David Leonard Waits

Published 2:39 pm Thursday, October 12, 2023

By Holley Cochran

Funeral services for Mr. David L. Waits of Hattiesburg were conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, Oct. 7, 2023, at Saulters Moore Funeral Home Chapel with interment following in the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Sumrall. 

Bro. William E. Pierce Jr. officiated. 

Mr. Waits, age 67, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord Monday morning, Oct. 2, 2023, at the Merit Health-Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.  Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

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The Waits family received friends Friday evening, Oct. 6, beginning at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.

Mr. Waits was carried to his final rest by his pallbearers, Don Thames, Phil Hudson, Jim Akers, Greg Akers, Jeff Hudson and Tom Porter.

David Leonard Waits was born on Aug. 25, 1956, in Hattiesburg.  A graduate of Sumrall High School, he was an avid athlete and displayed remarkable talent on the football field. 

David’s commitment to excellence extended beyond sports as he excelled academically and was driven to pursue higher education.

After graduating from Sumrall High School, he continued his educational journey at Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Possessing a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world, David would go on to graduate from Samford University, earning a degree in Pharmacy.

David’s professional path led him to Forrest General Hospital, where he worked as a pharmacist.  In addition to his work at the hospital,

David also owned and operated Hudson Drugs in Sumrall and Prentiss, making him a trusted member of his community and an integral part of the local fabric.

While David poured himself into his career, he also found solace in the great outdoors. An avid outdoorsman with a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty, he spent many cherished moments hunting and fishing.

The tranquility of being surrounded by land and timber also brought him immense joy and served as a reminder of life’s simple pleasures.

David L. Waits will be dearly missed by his loving family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.

He leaves behind a profound legacy of dedication, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.

Though his presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will forever linger as a reminder to cherish every moment and to approach life with love and kindness.

David was preceded in death by his father, Charles Waits.

His memory will forever be cherished by his wife of 42 years, Sharon Waits of Hattiesburg; his daughter, Leah (Andrew) Dunn and his son, Joseph K. (Ashley) Waits, all of Hattiesburg; his mother, Betty Hudson Waits of Hattiesburg and his brothers, Barry L. Waits of Hattiesburg and Tony Waits of Prentiss.  The legacy of their Pawpaw will also live on through his granddaughters, Avery and Holly, as well as an expected grandchild.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com

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Betty Robbins Funeral services for Mrs. Betty Robbins were conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Society Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Young officiating. Interment followed in the Society Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Robbins, age 75, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord early Saturday morning, July 13, 2024, at the Forrest General Hospital. Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. The Robbins family received friends one hour before the funeral service, beginning at noon, Tuesday, at Society Hill Baptist Church. Pallbearers included Kelley LeNormand, Cymantha Shellenberger, Mason Robbins, Jenna Robbins, Frank Vice and Frank Vice Jr. Betty Robbins was born on June 6, 1949, in Magee, Mississippi to Walter R. and Margaret Jones Bishop. Mrs. Robbins was a long-time resident of Carson. She and her husband would go on to raise a happy family of six children that would multiply over the years with the addition of in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Robbins loved the country life and will be remembered for not only growing a yard full of beautiful flowers, but also a vegetable garden of which she fed her family. An animal lover, she also had dogs, chickens and hogs over the years. Mrs. Robbins was a member of Society Hill Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter R. and Margaret Bishop, her husband, Kenneth Terrell Robbins Sr; her daughter, Pamela Robbins; sisters, Patsy Holden, Margaret  Coble, Linda Hester and her brother, Richard Bishop. Her memory will forever be cherished by her daughter, Billie Jo Williamson of Prentiss; sons, Kenny Robbins Jr. (Kathy) of Carson, Mikell Robbins (Kelley) of Palestine, Texas, John Robbins (Nicole) of Sumrall, Daniel Robbins, (Tanya) of Ft. Worth, Texas; brother, Ray Bishop (Nancy) of Magee and her sister, Myrtis Craig (Ed) of Rossville, Georgia. Mrs. Robbins also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Online condolences and guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com

Evelyn Davis Ranager

John E. Donaldson

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