Thomas "Henry" Adams, Sr

Thomas “Henry” Adams Sr. was born in Montgomery, Alabama on February 10, 1924. His parents were William Bea Adams and Naomi Jane Copley-Adams.

He is survived by his wife, Imogene, of 74 years.  Surviving children include one son, Tommy, one daughter and her husband, Tricia and Ben Cox of Tallahassee, Florida.  Surviving grandchildren and great grandchildren include Melanie Hale and her husband, Tony, Julie Cox-Money, Ashley Cox, Ashton, Niki, and Heather Hale.

He is also survived by one sister, Billye Gamble and her family of Montgomery, Alabama, several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He leaves many friends and neighbors including a special friend of the family, Martha Pridgen, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Bea and Jane Adams of Crestview, one granddaughter, Amy Suzanne Cox of Tallahassee, his sister, Naomi Steele, and her husband Jack of Crestview, and his sister-in-law, Dorothy Elmore and her husband Henton of Crestview.

At an early age, Henry's family moved to Westville, Florida where he attended the first grade. The next year, they moved to Crestview to join his grandmother Adams and Uncle Purl G. Adams who served as a Florida Representative and later, as a Florida Senator.  His Uncle Jack Adams was a doctor serving Baker and Crestview.  His Aunt Margaret was a teacher in Crestview. 

Henry's father, Bea Adams, established and ran the Busy Bea Cafe.  Young Henry became a well-known little boy for his engaging manner with the café’s patrons.  Later his father, Bea was elected as Crestview’s City Clerk and served several terms in this office.  Henry continued to meet and engage many interesting people while visiting his dad at Crestview’s City Hall.  Many of these people became life-long friends of Henry’s.  He worked at Eglin Air Force Base as a civil service worker and then worked for the School Board of Okaloosa County.

In 1942, Henry met and married the love of his life, Imogene Glass Adams who was a teacher in Crestview. Their marriage lasted 74 years until his death.  It was a long marriage built on love and devotion to each other, and they were also faithful to each other and to God.

In the 1940's, Henry and Imogene became ardent Florida Gator fans. They traveled very often to see the Gators in Gainesville or on road trips.  Henry and many fans could often be heard saying, "Wait until next year."  Henry lived to see the Gators have many great "new years." Henry's smile and enjoyment of people made him a friend of many. He spoke and chatted with most people that he met wherever he met them. People enjoyed his friendship and happiness and he reached many people.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crestview, a charter member of the "Los Caballeros," and a charter member of the Crestview Country Club.  He taught himself the game of golf by practicing alone and then getting pointers from others.  He became an accomplished golfer and his friends enjoyed playing the game with him.

After his retirement as a Civil Service Employee at Eglin Air Force Base, he was employed by the Okaloosa County School Board.

Henry will be greatly missed by his family and friends for his friendly smiles and his devotion to God, Family, Country, and all who were honored to know him.

A time of visitation will be held from 2-3:00pm Thursday, October 20, 2016, at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home with the funeral service following at 3:00pm.  There will be a private family burial.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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