Funeral services for Mr. David L. Waits of Hattiesburg were conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, Oct. 7, 2023, at Saulters Moore Funeral Home Chapel with interment following in the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Sumrall. 

Bro. William E. Pierce Jr. officiated. 

Mr. Waits, age 67, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord Monday morning, Oct. 2, 2023, at the Merit Health-Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.  Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

The Waits family received friends Friday evening, Oct. 6, beginning at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.

Mr. Waits was carried to his final rest by his pallbearers, Don Thames, Phil Hudson, Jim Akers, Greg Akers, Jeff Hudson and Tom Porter.

David Leonard Waits was born on Aug. 25, 1956, in Hattiesburg.  A graduate of Sumrall High School, he was an avid athlete and displayed remarkable talent on the football field. 

David’s commitment to excellence extended beyond sports as he excelled academically and was driven to pursue higher education.

After graduating from Sumrall High School, he continued his educational journey at Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Possessing a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world, David would go on to graduate from Samford University, earning a degree in Pharmacy.

David’s professional path led him to Forrest General Hospital, where he worked as a pharmacist.  In addition to his work at the hospital,

David also owned and operated Hudson Drugs in Sumrall and Prentiss, making him a trusted member of his community and an integral part of the local fabric.

While David poured himself into his career, he also found solace in the great outdoors. An avid outdoorsman with a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty, he spent many cherished moments hunting and fishing.

The tranquility of being surrounded by land and timber also brought him immense joy and served as a reminder of life’s simple pleasures.

David L. Waits will be dearly missed by his loving family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.

He leaves behind a profound legacy of dedication, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.

Though his presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will forever linger as a reminder to cherish every moment and to approach life with love and kindness.

David was preceded in death by his father, Charles Waits.

His memory will forever be cherished by his wife of 42 years, Sharon Waits of Hattiesburg; his daughter, Leah (Andrew) Dunn and his son, Joseph K. (Ashley) Waits, all of Hattiesburg; his mother, Betty Hudson Waits of Hattiesburg and his brothers, Barry L. Waits of Hattiesburg and Tony Waits of Prentiss.  The legacy of their Pawpaw will also live on through his granddaughters, Avery and Holly, as well as an expected grandchild.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com