Roger Michael (“Mike”) Waits, 76, of West Columbia, SC, went to be with Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior on Thursday morning, February 27, 2025, at his home. 

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington on Wednesday March 5, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM.  A graveside service with  full military honors will be immediately following at Southland Memorial Gardens.

Mike had an immeasurable love and devotion for his family and his country. His children were the joy of his life, always. Through his beautiful relationship with Jesus Christ he was a kind and beautiful soul to all he encountered no matter the reason and always using his quick wit to bring a smile to the faces of others. He was an avid gardener with a tremendous green thumb. He enjoyed crossword puzzles all his life doing them daily for several decades. He got a real kick out of America’s Funniest Home Videos and never missed a night of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and enjoyed a good crime tv show. A life long learner and lover of books he would encourage and help anyone or anything to grow by learning. He had a wonderfully sharp and clever mind and enjoyed hearing and telling a good joke, especially a good dad joke to his grandchildren. Mike took great joy in helping support children and elderly charities regularly.

Mike was born January 24, 1949 in Lexington SC, and graduated from Lexington High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in 1967. His military service spans a highly decorated 30 years.  He served in Desert Storm in 1990 and retired from a prestigious military career in 1997. While serving his country in the reserves he also worked for the SC Budget and Control Board for more than 30 years. 

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Nancy F. Waits of West Columbia, SC their four wonderful children, Nicholas Waits (Rachel) of Lexington, SC, Erica Richardson (Chris) of Lexington, SC, Megan Pressly (Brian) of Lexington SC, Mary Creech ( Justin) of West Columbia, SC; his beloved grandchildren, Jake Richardson, Emily Richardson, Tristan Pressly, Carmen Pressly, Cannon Pressly, Maddox Pressly, Stella Creech, Banks Creech, Allie Porter Creech. He is also survived by his sisters Dorothy Shepherd (Johnny) of Lexington, SC, Tina Waits of West Columbia, SC, Fran McKelvey of West Columbia, SC and Charlotte Gunter (Steve) of West Columbia, SC as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Mike is predeceased by his Parents Wilbur C. and Mary Roof Waits, stepmother Sara Amick Waits, brother Fred Raymond Waits, sister Mary Wilma Waits and granddaughter Natalie Grayson Pressly.

Pallbearers will be Chris Richardson, Brian Pressly, Justin Creech, Hunter Holland, TJ Cumalander, and Dylan Waits.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to  The Special Olympics of South Carolina to honor Mike’s lifelong spirit of generosity.

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