Fred Adams Jr. passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024 at the Coliseum Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Hampton, VA. He was born on April 6, 1945 to Fred Adams Sr. and Beulah Mae McCray (Adams).

Fred graduated from Carver High School in 1964 and went straight into the military with a decorated career. He was in the army active duty from 1965 to 1968. He was in the 324th Army Band in which he played the trombone and was a Sergeant in the Army Active Reserves 203rd Military Police Platoon. In his time he received the National Defense Service Medal, along with the Good Conduct Medal. Fred was an Expert Marksman (Rifle M14) and received an Expert Badge w/Bar. He started his career at Newport News Shipyard in 1968 through 1979 and worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard 1979 through 2004. He worked at NASA as a security guard from 1970 to 2008.

Fred had an outgoing personality and would talk to and joke with anybody. Fred loved watching football and everybody knew that his favorite team was the Washington Redskins. He enjoyed bowling and was very good at it. But he was even better at playing spades. He won multiple championships at family reunions and tournaments. In his free time, he liked riding by the water while listening to the radio or old gospel hymns, where he would watch the sunset and ships go by. He had a love for music from playing in the military band, to singing in his strong, low baritone voice. Fred loved everybody he encountered but he focused his passion on his grandchildren and wanted to make sure that they each knew they were loved. Every big event that they had he was in attendance and always let them know that he was so proud of them. He supported his family in everything they did and made sure to make it to every family reunion he could and let them know how proud he was. He knew the Lord and joined Forever Free Outreach Ministries on April 4, 2021.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Fred Adams Sr. and Beulah Mae McCray; his stepfather: Willie McCray, his brothers: Willie Blunt, Dwight Adams, Quincy Adams, McArthur Adams; and one sister Lorraine Brown.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: his wife, Ivonne Adams; his children, Elder Fred Adams III (Overseer Valerie), Minister Chante Downing, and Samantha Urbano; his grandchildren, Alexis (Devonta), Essence, Zaquan, Tiara, Shawn, Princess, Ricardo, Luther, Xavier, Lillian, Jose, Loralye, Noah, and Noe; and great-grandchild, Fredrick. His brothers: Frazier Adams (Brigina), Lorenzo Adams, Alfred Adams; and sisters, Arletha Oliver-Lewis (Edward), Brenda Morst, Queen Harris, Francine Jackson (Terry), Angela Adams, Vivian Adams, Francine Adams. Long term friend, Cynthia Adams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We are so blessed to have the time that we shared with him. As we bid farewell to a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, we hold onto the countless memories he left behind. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering love will remain forever in our hearts. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the lessons he taught us and the love he shared. May his soul rest in peace, and may we find comfort in knowing that he touched our lives in ways that will never be forgotten. It's never goodbye, but we will see you in the morning!

Viewing will be held 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2024 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Virginia.  A homegoing, celebrating the life of Mr. Adams will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Zion Baptist Church, 633-20th Street, Newport News, Virginia 23607.