Richard Gray Adams, 68, passed away early Friday morning, October 22, 2021.
Richard was born May 12, 1953 in Winston-Salem, NC. He was the son of Brewster Richard (B.R.) Adams and Chalma Doretha Simmons. He attended schools in the Winston-Salem area.
He began his automotive career working for his uncle, Frier Adams at the local service station in Yadkinville, NC in his early teens. He also worked is various dealerships in the Winston-Salem area until he opened his own service station in Advance, NC. He also sold cars in High Point, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC where he met his wife, Kathleen (Kathy).
He moved along with Kathy to Fernandina Beach in 1981 and worked in various dealerships, service stations and auto repair shops locally until he opened his own shop. He was an excellent mechanic, loved helping people and loved the community of Fernandina Beach. He loved his family, lighting the grill, fishing off the beach along North Fletcher and watching NASCAR Racing and attending a few races whenever he could.
Richard leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Kathleen Higginbotham Adams; one daughter, Sherri Sayre and son-in-law, Doug. He was the proud and the much loved grandfather to Jeremiah Lee Sayre and Christina (Crissy) Joy Sayre, all of Fernandina Beach. He also leaves behind his sister, Cynthia Gaye Adams of Winston-Salem, NC and sister-in-law Melissa Dangerfield of Monck’s Corner, SC. He was the beloved uncle to Sallie (Phillip) Grimes of Winston-Salem, NC; Michael (Amy) Davis of Fort Mill, SC; Jonathan Davis of Winston-Salem, NC; Clint (Amber) Dangerfield and Zak (Kathy) Dangerfield of Monck’s Corner, SC, also numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Brenda Beeson.
The family would like to thank Community Hospice for their comfort and end of life care; Dr Edward Tribuzio for his care and understanding over the 30+ years of caring for Richard and Welcome Home nurses and PT staff for his care throughout his illness.
The memorial service will be held in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 11 a.m. The family will have visitation one hour before the service beginning at 10:00 AM.
Rather than flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Nassau County Animal Shelter in Richard’s honor or to your local animal shelter.