Dr. Jerry E. Waters, age 91 passed away Oct. 19, 2026. He was born February 12, 1935 and was the son of Elgert E. (Enoch) and Louise Waters. A lifelong resident of Blount County, he graduated from Everett High School, earned a BA degree from Maryville College and received MA and PhD degrees from the University of Kentucky. In 1963 he was asked to return to Maryville College to teach psychology. He was chair of the Dept. of Psychology and later of the Division of Behavioral Sciences which included the Sign Language and Interpreting Program at the college. According to Carolyn Blair and Arda Walker, authors of the book BY FAITH ENDOWED: THE STORY OF MARYVILLE COLLEGE 1819-1994, Dr. Waters revolutionized the Psychology Department through practicums, internships and course revisions. He co-developed with Dr. Robert Ramger the first American Sign Language Course at the school. His sport at Maryville College was intercollegiate wrestling. He was team captain for two years and was inducted into the Maryville College Wrestling Hall of Fame. Jerry served for six years as a member of the board of directors of the Blount County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He had a lifelong interest in pottery and antiques and was an accomplished furniture restorer. He had a great interest in genealogy and was a member of the Founding Families of Tennessee and the Civil War Families of Tennessee. He was a member of Maryville First United Methodist Church. He is survived by sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Steve Clendenen. The family will have a private service. Memorial donations may be sent to Maryville First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Rd., Maryville, TN 37803. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.