Pete Waites, 84, of Pocahontas, passed away Wednesday, October, 10, 2018 at Five Rivers Medical Center.

Pete was born, December 20, 1933 in Bienville Parish, Louisiana near Ringgold. His parents were the late Vander and Ola D. Hay Waites. He was a longtime beloved teacher, bus driver, and later substitute for the Pocahontas School District. He also served for 69 years as a minister for churches of Christ.

On August 14, 1955 in Paris, Arkansas, Pete married his "Sweet Thing" of 62 years, Elaine Smith.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Tommy Waites.

He is survived by wife; two daughters, Bonnie LaFawn (Chris) VanDyke of Olive Branch, Mississippi and Susan Elaine (David) Cluck of Gravette, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Nancy Suzanne Waites of Centerton, Arkansas, Adam (Kelly) King of Rogers, Arkansas, and Isha Rebekah (Jarold) Ralston of Bentonville, Arkansas; two great grandchildren, Asher and Zoey King; three siblings, Huey Waites, Lila D. Smith, and Bernard "Boo" Waites; along with many relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, October 12, 2018 from 4 PM-8 PM in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home on Saturday, October, 13, 2018 at 1:30 PM with Joe Grider, Adam King, Boo Waites, and Joshua Dement officiating. Burial will follow in Taylor Cemetery.

Pallbearers include: Kenny Smith, Jeff Kornegay, Dale Combs, Ted Olbright, Bobby Brooks, and Hank McNabb

Honorary Pallbearers include: Joe Grider, Rick Prater, Mike Richardson, Stephen Robertson, and Troy Smith.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Childrens Homes Inc. 5515 Old Walcott Road Paragould, AR 72455 or to St. Jude Children's Hospital.