A Fearless Justice Advocate, Leader, Comrade in Arms, and Friend

Our community is grieving the loss of a giant. Ronnie Waters was larger than life. His passion for his family, his friends, this work, and his deep commitment to community, paired with his endless spark of light, defined so much of who he was.

Ronnie changed lives, and Voting Access For All Coalition would not be what it is today without him. From the very beginning, and for more than five years since VAAC was founded, we had the privilege of working alongside Ronnie. He believed deeply in voting access for people with felony convictions and in the power of civic engagement to challenge injustice and build real community power.

Ronnie did not just offer words of support. He showed up. From ID clinics and trainings to planning meetings and community events, he stood beside us, encouraged others, and helped move the work forward. His dedication to criminal justice reform and the expansion of voting rights access was evident in his passion, his energy, and his willingness to engage with people wherever he went. He talked about the work, insisted that the voices of justice impacted people be heard clearly, boldly, and without apology, and built trust through genuine connection.

Ronnie understood that lived experience is expertise and demanded dignity, respect, and accountability in every space he entered. Through authentic outreach and engagement, Ronnie formed lasting friendships and strong partnerships that helped move this work forward, from Michigan and across the U.S.

A leader, collaborator, and bridge builder, Ronnie brought people together everywhere he went. Ronnie lived his values fully, using his voice with courage and integrity. He believed change was possible when people worked together rather than in silos.

There is no single title that could fully capture Ronnie’s impact. He was a beloved son, husband, and father, a fighter, an advocate, a comforter, and a friend and brother to many. His legacy lives on through his family, the lives he touched, the systems he challenged, and the voices he helped uplift.

Ronnie was our friend and our brother in this work. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Details for Ronnie Waters Celebration of Life Service

Rest in peace and power, Ronnie.

You will be forever remembered.

Due to an overwhelming response from the community, the Celebration of Life service for Ronnie Calvin Waters has been moved to a larger venue to accommodate all who wish to attend.

• Saturday, December 27, 2025
• Family Assembly at 10:30 am EST
• Service begins at 11:00 am EST

The Crofoot
1 South Saginaw Street
Pontiac, Michigan 48342

Parking is available for three dollars in the lot across from The Crofoot.

Please come as you are. Attendees are welcome to honor Ronnie by dressing in Pontiac Fly attire or representing their favorite sports team, especially the University of Michigan Wolverines.