RICKY KENNETH MCWATERS

Mr. Ricky Kenneth McWaters, age 74, of Freeport, Florida passed away June 9, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.  Rick was born on December 25, 1950, Chumuckla, Florida to the late Malvin Otis McWaters and Maudie Bell Anderson McWaters.  In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by one stepdaughter, Tenora Shann Monk; two brothers, Herman McWaters and Doyce McWaters, and one brother-in-law, Howard ‘Cotton’ Peeler.

Rick grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he attended Oakland Heights Grammar School and graduated from Choctaw High School in 1968. After graduation, he proudly served six years in the National Guard.

He began a lifelong career with Centel Phone Company in 1968, dedicating more than 40 years to the telecommunications industry before retiring from Embarq in 2009.

Rick loved life on the water and spent countless days living on the bay, boating, and fishing. He was known for his remarkable skill as a mullet net thrower—something that brought him great joy and local admiration.

In 1971, Rick married Dara Lea Hohnadell, and together they made their home in Fort Walton Beach. They shared 20 years of marriage and operated TLC Recreation Center.  Dara also founded Seven Pines Ranch, where they leased horses for children to ride.  Rick was always a supportive partner in their shared endeavors.

In 1994, Rick married Sarah Miller Monk, and they shared 30 wonderful years together. He became a loving stepfather to Sarah’s three children and embraced them as his own.

Rick is survived by his wife, Sarah Miller McWaters of Freeport, FL; stepsons, Ronald Monk Jr. and wife Amy of Bonifay, FL and Donald Monk and wife Judi of Gainesville, FL; grandchildren, Michael Harris, Sarah Marie Harris, Claudia Monk Paulk and husband Isaiah, Courtney Kay Monk, Diana Sloan Monk, and Téadora June Monk; one great grandchild, Obadiah Paulk; one brother, Dwight McWaters of Fort Walton Beach, FL; two sisters, Alice Faye Waters and husband Jerry of Ellenton, FL and Martha Peeler of Quincy, FL; two sisters-in-law, Joan McWaters of Crawfordville, FL and Audrey McWaters of Crestview, FL; numerous nieces and nephews. 

Rick was a man with a big heart. He was a hard worker who always strived to make life better for his family. His kindness, quiet strength, and dedication will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.  He was a simple man who found joy in life’s small pleasures, and his legacy of love and hard work will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, June 12, 2025, in the Peel Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dennis Tanton officiating.  Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery with Peel Funeral Home and Bonifay Crematory in charge of arrangements.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Peel Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, www.t2t.org/donate