Richard H. Waites Sr. died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. He was 54.

A lifelong resident of Vicksburg, Mr. Waites was employed by the Army Corps of Engineers for the past 15 years as a riverboat pilot with the mat-sinking unit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kearney B. Sr. and Marjorie Waites.

He is survived by his wife, Gale R. Waites of Vicksburg; one son, Rusty Waites of Vicksburg; and two brothers, Kearney Waites Jr. and Joe Waites, both of Vicksburg.

Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. today at Glenwood Funeral Home with the Rev. Cary Stockett officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the service.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, 800 Avery Blvd., Suite 100, Ridgeland, MS 39157.