Andrew Jeremy Waters (or AJ) was born 1988 in Frankfurt, Germany, where his dad was stationed with the United States Army. He passed away on October 3, 2026 at the age of 38.

From the very beginning, AJ’s life was uniquely his own. Though he lived with cerebral palsy, those who knew and loved him understood that no diagnosis could ever define the precious spirit he brought into this world.

AJ is survived by his father Chris, mother Terrie and his sister Cyndi. His grandparents, Ken and Sarah Lloyd. He has an uncle and aunt on his mother’s side, Brian and (Nichole) their son’s Fox and Shep. AJ is also survived by his favorite aunties on his father’s side — in no particular order — Shela (Mike), Melody (Kevin), and Sherry (Roger); his cousins Ariel, Vincent, Corinna, Dustin, Jesse, Charlene, Jacob, Beau, Ian, DeAnna, Aaron, and Ben; and many, many more family members who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Memaw, Nancy Ford, and his papaws, Gary Ford and Charles Waters.

AJ graduated from Cabot High School with the Class of 2009, where he lettered in choir. Music brought him great joy, and he especially loved hearing children sing.

AJ loved people — and he especially loved all the girls. He loved dinosaurs, Kong, the Hulk, and the old Planet of the Apes movies. At bedtime, Star Trek was always part of the routine. He loved all of the Star Trek shows, Klingons especially. Anyone who dared to change the channel quickly learned that AJ had no trouble letting them know that was not cool.

Some of AJ’s sweetest little friends came to visit him outside his window. Birds appeared every morning and evening, and after years of watching them gather, a bird feeder was finally put up for his regular visitors, especially the cardinals. Before long, the squirrels discovered what all the birds were making such a fuss about and began coming too. Each morning, they would peek in his window as though stopping by to tell AJ good morning.

AJ always made sure to keep an eye out for them.

There was something beautifully pure about the things that brought AJ happiness — familiar voices, music, children singing, his favorite movies and shows, the people he loved, and the little creatures who faithfully came to his window.

AJ’s life was gentle, precious, and deeply meaningful. He asked for very little from this world, yet gave those around him something immeasurable in return. His sweet spirit reminded us that a life does not have to be loud or complicated to leave a lasting mark. Sometimes the most beautiful lives are those that simply teach us how to love more tenderly, notice the small things, and cherish the gift of being together.

Those who loved AJ take comfort in believing that the limitations of mortality no longer hold him — that his spirit is whole, free, and surrounded by those who went before him.

AJ was deeply loved in this life, and he will be deeply missed.

His was a precious life.

His was a pure life.

And his was a life that mattered.

Services for AJ will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 6110 T P White Road, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. Viewing and visitation with the family will begin at 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m.

AJ will be laid to rest at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cabot, Arkansas.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com