1919
2016
LTC (Ret.) Sam J. Adams, Jr. died peacefully at home on Friday, December 23, 2016.
Graveside services will be held Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM in Riverdale Cemetery with military honors. Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia.
Sam was born at the Columbus Hospital on August 13, 1919, son of the late Sam J. Adams and Clarice Adams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Becky.
He attended Columbus public schools, Wynnton Elementary and graduated from Columbus High School in 1937. Attended GA Tech 1937-1941 and was drafted in the U.S. Army, July 1941 as a Buck Private, went to officer Candidate School in 1942 and retired as Lt. Col. In 1961. He served two tours in Germany, one during World War II and two tours in Korea, one before war and second during the war. He received combat infantry badges for World War II and Korea. Received Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Combat Infantryman's Badge with Star; American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World War II victory Medal; Distinguished Unit Citation; 4 OS Bars; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation; Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
After Army Retirement he went to work at Victory Bowling Lanes and in 1962 with others bought the Lanes as co-owner and General Manager for 30 years.
Sam was a Life Member and Hall of Famer in the Georgia State Bowling Association as well as the Columbus Bowling Association.
Sam was baptized in First Baptist Church in 1931 and moved his membership to Benning Hills Baptist Church upon returning to Columbus in 1951.
Survivors include son, Sam J. Adams III (Alice), two daughters, Carol Adams Johansen (Brent) and Barbara Adams Baugh (Billy). Also included are three granddaughters, Becky Johansen Oxford (Erik), Tricia Johansen Greer (Steve), and Nicole Adams. Great grandchildren include Sam and Drew Greer, Erik, Mary Beth and Ann Carlton Oxford.
Memorials may be made to Columbus Hospice at www.columbushospice.com
A very special thank you to Grace Ward, Deborah Edens and Lisa Dionne for providing such wonderful care and compassion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary.
May 25, 2017
Joyce Torbic-Livingston
I just learned about the passing of Mr. Adams--this is what those of us who grew up in Victory Lanes knew him as. He was a special person to so many people. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be sorely missed.
December 31, 2016
peace be to you and your family, Love you ,
December 30, 2016
Kenny Caldwell
May the Lord up above bless you and comfort you in these difficult times of need.Our thought's and Prayers are with you.Your Friend Always,Kenny Caldwell
December 30, 2016
Pat Moore
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I spent my youth at Victory Lanes with my parents Norman and Thelma Moore (both deceased). Sam was much loved, but I was sure he was going to kill us when we broke the front door. He was more worried we were all okay. Followed by a lecture on not playing around the glass doors. I hope he and Becky are reunited with all those who loved them having a strike or three in heaven. Sam, Carol, and Barbara our thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 30, 2016
Sam, So sorry of hearing about your Dad going to Glory. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Spent a lot of time with you at the bowling ally and at your house. Your Dad was always a gentleman and treated me like family. Love you Buddy.
December 29, 2016
Dorothy Apt
Sam all I can say is you were a dear friend in Christ and see you soon. Dear family. I pray you have Peace and Joy knowing where dad is and you will see him again. Love you all. Dottie Apt
December 29, 2016
Donna Shine Wall
I am so sorry for your loss. Precious memories ... how they linger.
December 29, 2016
Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at Hosea 13:14. L Ohio
December 29, 2016
Renee & Dave Vollentine
Barbara our hearts go out to you and your family. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the lose of your dad. He is at peace and lived a long and good life.
He is now in Gods hands.
December 28, 2016
Barbara Prida Prince
Sam and family,my thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 28, 2016
Faye Williams Watson
Sam and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Big Sam was a very special man and I know he will be missed by so many that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may God's grace and mercy comfort you during this time.
December 28, 2016
Carolyn Hall Tidd
I am so sorry for your loss and know there are 97 years of memories to keep him alive in your hearts always. Keeping the family in my prayers..
December 28, 2016
Ltc. Sam enjoyed a good long life. So many cannot say the same. He was especially strong. Ps. 90:10
December 28, 2016
Lee Kline
Barbara, so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in peace and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE LTC Adams.
December 28, 2016
Wendy Mock
Barbara, Carol and Sam--I am so sorry for your loss--I do understand how hard it is. We all have fond memories of your dad at the bowling alley. Trust in the Lord to walk this difficult journey with you--take his hand and he will take each step with you. Hugs and prayers.
December 27, 2016
Margaret and Art Angell
Heartfelt condolences, Barbara, to you and all of your family. There are no words that we can say that will take aay the sorrow that you feel; perhaps knowing that others care and share your sorrow will be a source of comfort until your heart begins to heal. We love you...
December 27, 2016
Nansi Wildenberg
Sam, Carol & Barbara, I am keeping all of you in my daily prayers for comfort and peace. You were very blessed to have your Dad in your life for so very long. May the Lord comfort you and may you find peace in all your wonderful & beautiful memories. Love & Prayers
December 27, 2016
Emilia Chittum
Barbara, we are sending prayers to you and your family. We are so sorry for the loss of your father.
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