Rayborn Waits

"R.A." was an AUSTINITE. He passed away at the most caring "Austin Hospice Christopher House" on Tuesday, July 30, 2013. R.A. was born on December 27, 1934 to Homer Lee and Flossie Mae Waits in Carthage Texas. R.A. attended Austin High School. It was there he met his Sweetheart and wife of 62 years. "Joyce Woods Waits" At the age of 17 he joined the United States Navy to serve his Country. Following his Naval Career he returned to Austin and started his career in plumbing. He established "Waits Plumbing Co" in 1959 where he ran his business out of his home/garage in South Austin. Over the years he established a successful plumbing business for 30 years. In 1980 he and Joyce built and still own and manage a business park "R.A. Waits Rentals". His First love and Passion was "FISHING". He was well known in Austin for fishing with the Capital Bass Club and Austin Bass Club. R.A. loved to fish State tournaments where he won an individual title. He was voted to the All State Team by his peers numerous times. R.A. and with his stance for Honesty and Integrity were a perfect fit for National pro fishing circuit called BASS. Over the years he fished 71 BASS Tournaments and finished in the money 19 times, but he was most proud of the fact that he qualified for 3 BASS Master Classics (1971, 1984 and 1985) The 1971 Classic that was held on Lake Mead, Nevada was a "keep secret lake destination" The contestants were informed of the location at 15,000 Ft. in the air out of Atlanta, GA. This tournament was looked upon as the holy grail of all pro tournaments. In 1984 he met two future Presidents of The United States (George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton) while fishing the Arkansas River in Pine Bluff, AR. R.A. and Joyce made so many friends and memories while fishing the pro circuits all over the country. Their children never tire of hearing the stories. R.A. is survived by his loving wife "Joyce Waits". Four children: Kathy Waits McLeroy/Brian McLeroy, Lee Ray Waits/Debby Waits, Mike Waits/Cindy Waits, Randy Waits/Kathy Waits Seven grandchildren: Mack Lindsay/Angie Lindsay, Chris Lindsay/Michelle Lindsay, Jason Waits/Rhonda Waits, Ryan Waits, Jordan Waits, Michael Waits and Sarah Waits. Two great grandchildren: Raymond and Jameson Waits, and his brother Kenneth Waits. Friends and Family are invited to a Memorial Service on Monday, August 12, 2013/2:00 PM at All Faiths Funeral Home, 8507 N. IH-35, Austin, Texas, and "A Celebration of Life" immediately following at the Moose Lodge, 2103 E.M. Franklin #1735, Austin, TX. In lieu of flowers, Contributions to R.A.'s grandson, Chris Lindsay's affiliation with Camp John Marc http://www.campjohnmarc.org/ There is a DONATE link on the page, half way down. Address is 2824 Swiss Ave., Dallas, Texas 75024 (Camp for children with Hemophilia, Diabetes, Burn Injuries, MS and other disabilities). - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=rayborn-waits&pid=166212120&fhid=15362#fbLoggedOut