"Tall" Paul Waters

Rutherford County lost a legend on Saturday, July 19, 2025, when Tall Paul Waters took one last ride to join his buddies and family who are waiting on him when he gets there—probably blasting Willie’s Roadhouse and grinning the whole way. A longtime resident of the Shiloh community, Paul was a lifelong Rutherford County native, the proud bearer of the nickname “Tall Paul.” He was an old-school biker legend—when you said Tall Paul, everyone knew who you were talking about. You either met him on the side of the road while he was working on his bike, he worked on yours, or you rode with him. His love for motorcycles made him a friend to many. He had one of the first motorcycle sidecars around here, and he’d ride with Wanda, his group of friends, and his kids to Lake Lure on Sundays. Heck, he even let the Earl Owensby Studio use his sidecar in the movie Hooch, which starred Gil Gerard. Paul was also a proud U.S. Army veteran who served his country during the Vietnam War. He didn’t talk about it much, but that service was a badge of honor he carried with quiet strength and pride. He is survived by his daughter Shannon Waters Bullock, his son Paul Waters, and his four grandkids: Cameron Moore, Trey Prescott, Matthew Hoyle, and Blaze Bullock Luna—and one great-grandson, Kobain Luna. He’s also survived by his brother Steve Waters and—because fate has a sense of humor, and if you knew Paul you knew he had one too—his "first old lady,” Wanda Harrill. (Yes, she made the cut. Yes, Paul would be laughing so hard right now.) A lifelong biker—and by that we mean Harley-Davidson, not those fellas in spandex—Paul had oil in his veins and wind in his hair when he had some. Even in his old age, he was a firm believer in “doctor’s orders: two beers a day.” He loved his Friday nights with Sam and the boys, hanging out with the occasional oyster roast. He loved to listen to a good NASCAR race and ride in his Cadillac with a friend. He loved the weekly Sunday dinners he shared with his daughter, family, and friends. He loved motorcycles, old cars, and pretty girls. He gave the best and tightest hugs, the kind that wrapped all the way around you and stayed with you long after. And if you were a lady, you wouldn’t leave without a kiss on the lips. That was just Tall Paul. He always had a joke to tell and found something funny in everything. In fact, while he was in the hospital asking for his pants, he was told he had to wait for the nurse. Without missing a beat, he asked, “Why? Is she wearing my pants?” His sense of humor was unforgettable. He loved to ride in his Cadillac with the windows down or the bike wide open. He loved a cold Busch Light in his Yeti koozie and nowhere to be but by the river, telling old stories. He could talk for hours about the parties they used to go to, how he met every one of his friends, and exactly how each one of them earned their nickname. For Paul, nicknames weren’t just funny; they were badges of honor and giving you one meant you were in his circle. Paul loved his family fiercely and his friends like family. If you ever shared a beer, a ride, or a belly laugh with him, know this: he cherished you. You were part of the ride that made his life worth every mile. Paul wasn’t big on pleasantries, but he had a sixth sense for good people. If he gave you a nickname and a grin, you were in for life. He had no time for nonsense, but all the time in the world for those he loved. And he wouldn't want you crying now—he’d want you to crank up Willie’s Roadhouse, tell a Tall Paul story, and remember that life’s too short not to laugh. Ride on, Tall Paul. The road’s still wide open, and the stories never end.

The funeral service will be conducted at 7:00 pm on Friday, July 25th at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel followed by military honors presented by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. At other times they will be gathered at 288 Brady Hampton Drive, Rutherfordton.

Memorial donations are requested to The DAV Chapter #25, 678 Oscar Justice Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or the Rutherford County Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, 193 Callahan-Koone Road, Ste.132, Spindale, NC 28160.