Rudolph ("R.C.") Waters was born October 18, 1930 in Hope, Arkansas to his late parents, Myzil and Valree Waters.
R.C. came to Oakland, CAin 1946 and graduated from McClymonds High School in 1951. For many years, he was employed at Todds's Shipyard in Alameda and Stokely Cannery in
Oakland. He also worked as a truck driver at Leeways Truck Company for more than 15
years. Failing health forced him to medically retire.

However, he was able to work part time at Eastshore Bus Company. At this job, he drove senior citizens to and from doctor's appointments. He also drove them shopping and to various places in the Bay Area. He also drove the church van for Center Street Missionary Baptist Church. In this capacity, he would pick up members for Sunday School, Church and other church-related events.

R.C. and his brothers Darnell and Jack took a trip to Kansas City, Missouri; Mansfield, Ohio; and their home town of Hope, Arkansas. This trip was especially memorable as they were able to locate many long, lost relatives and family friends.

His hobbies included gardening, fishing and playing dominoes with friends and relatives at the West Oakland Senior Citizens Center. Another favorite pastime of his was driving to Tracy and getting watermelons. His neighbors looked forward to seeing his green truck full of watermelons for sale (at a good price). He also enjoyed meeting with other retirees each morning at the local McDonald's for coffee and chatting.

Those who preceded R.C. in death were: his wife, Reba Waters; his parents, Myzil and Valree Waters, his daughter, Raynetta Waters; his sister, Earmalean Henry; his brothers, Robert Waters and J.C. Waters; stepson, Larry Fuller and stepdaughter, Roe Ann Fuller.

He leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Patricia Waters; son, Mark Waters; brothers, Darnell Waters (Earlean), Jack Waters (Betty), Myron Waters (Sonia); and sister, Barbara Brice - all from Oakland, California - and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, stepson, cousins, friends and extended family.