Jerry M. Adams, 75, whose greatest joy was being a husband, father and papaw, went to be with his Savior of over 50 years, late on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, after a long illness. He was born February 20, 1940, the youngest of seven children of Luther and Ollie McKeehan Adams of Elizabethton.
Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Rose Greene, and on June 10, they would have been married 54 years. He was a veteran of the Tennessee Army National Guard, was a 32 degree Mason and Shriner, delivered milk for Bassett Dairy in Bristol, and then owned his own industrial supply business, J & A Sales. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Elizabethton and also attended First Baptist Church of Kingsport with his daughter’s family for a time.
Jerry was a man who loved the simple things of life. He enjoyed eating out and “cutting up” with his family and friends, most of all. He loved to watch westerns and read the newspaper; he and Sharon loved to go to Pal’s and eat in the car and watch the sunset. He loved to talk politics, and served on the Elizabethton City Council for one term.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Rose Greene Adams; one daughter, Vandi Adams France, son-in-law, Dr. Jeff France, Boones Creek, and his pride and joy, two granddaughters, Madeline Margaret France and Katherine Bailey France. He also had many very special nieces and nephews, who live in East Tennessee. One special nephew, Steve Settle, his wife Judy, and their children, Rachael and David, of Chattanooga. He also leaves behind so many sweet friends, including Clyde and Nell Jenkins, Jerry and Sharon’s best friends for over 60 years.
Sharon, Vandi and Jeff would like to say a special thanks to his doctors, Dr. Marta Wayt and Dr. Lucinda Miller, for their excellent care over the years.
A graveside service to honor and celebrate the life of Jerry M. Adams will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Rev. Bob Polk officiating. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:50 p.m. The family will receive friends immediately following the graveside service at the cemetery. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to the Carter County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 134, Elizabethton, TN 37744. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Adams family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.