Mr. William Earl Adams

William Earl Adams Sr. departed this earthly life on Friday, August 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, family, and dedication that will continue to live through all who knew and loved him. William was born December 12th, 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late William Jesse and Artis Mae Bunn Adams and grew up in the community of Stokes, North Carolina. He attended North Pitt High School, where he graduated in 1974. Even during his school years, William understood the importance of hard work and responsibility. While completing his High School education, he drove the school bus and worked at a local Piggly Wiggly. From an early age, he demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, a quality he carried throughout his life and faithfully instilled in his children and family. He believed that anything worth having required commitment, responsibility, and a willingness to work for it. William held a special place in his heart for his grandparents, John Henry and Lillie Bunn, Issac and Carrie Adams who played an important role in raising and shaping the man he would become. He often expressed his love and appreciation for his grandparents and never forgot the sacrifices they made on his behalf. As a young man, William helped his grandparents by working on the family farm and doing his part to support the household. Along with his responsibilities, William had a great love for sports. He participated in several sports during his school years and was known for his competitive spirit. Whether working, playing sports, or helping his family, William approached life with determination and a desire to give his very best. William began his professional career at Pitt County Memorial Hospital as a Physical Therapist Technician, where his strong work ethic and dedication continued to shine. During his early years at the hospital, he met a beautiful young lady named Cheryl Prayer who would become the love of his life. After a one year courtship, William and Cheryl joined together in holy matrimony on Saturday, August 21, 1982. Their marriage was blessed with four children, and together they built a family founded upon love, commitment, sacrifice, and perseverance. William continued his career with Pitt County Memorial Hospital which transitioned into Vidant Medical Center, faithfully serving for an extraordinary 39 years before retiring. His many years of service reflected the dependable, hardworking, and committed man he was throughout his life. William also enjoyed spending time doing the things that brought him happiness, but nothing compared to the joy he found in his family. He was a big fan of NFL football and his favorite team was the New England Patriots. William had a love for cooking for many family events with his specialty, barbecue ribs. He appreciated every opportunity to relax and enjoy life especially during the family’s yearly vacations. Above everything else, William was a family man. His love for his children went beyond what words could ever adequately describe. He took great pride in watching them grow, encouraged them to work hard, and desired for each of them to succeed in life. His family knew that behind his strength was a heart filled with tremendous love. The lessons he taught, the sacrifices he made, and the example he set will remain a lasting part of his children, grandchildren, and generations to come. In the later years of his life, William made a meaningful decision to deepen his personal relationship with God. His faith became an increasingly important part of his life as he sought to grow spiritually and strengthen his walk with the Lord. William joined Christ Temple of Praise in Wilson, North Carolina, under the leadership of Bishop M. K. Smith, where he enjoyed Sunday School classes, Quarterly Men’s Fellowship, and the weekly Men’s Prayer Call. William truly enjoyed his Sundays at Christ Temple of Praise, but everyone knew that once Bishop Smith said, “Amen,” William was ready to go! He quickly said his goodbyes and his vehicle was in reverse and headed home—a familiar part of his personality that will always bring a smile to those who knew and loved him. William was preceded in death by his grandparents, John Henry and Lillie Bunn, Issac and Carrie Adams; his parents, William Jesse and Artis Mae Adams; his sister, Shirley Teel; his stepmother whom he adored Sadonna Adams; in-laws John and Rosebud Prayer Martin and other beloved family members who have gone before him. William leaves to cherish his precious memory: his wife of nearly 44 years, Cheryl Adams; his four beloved children, John Adams, William (Kristin) Adams, Aaron Adams, and Kayron (Joshua) Armond; his grandchildren, Riley, MaKenzie, and Joshua Jr., who brought tremendous joy, pride, and happiness to his life; his brother, Curtis Adams; his sister, Vanessa Brady; his special cousin, Larry Chance, who was a brother to William; two beloved aunts, Linda Joyce Adams and Velma Britton; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, former coworkers, and loved ones whose lives were touched by his presence. William Earl Adams Sr. lived a life that demonstrated that a man's legacy is not measured simply by the number of years he lived, but by the people he loved, the family he provided for, the work he accomplished, and the values he left behind. Though his earthly journey has ended, the seeds he planted through love, hard work, sacrifice, strength, and devotion to family will continue to grow through generations. His work is finished, but his legacy lives on. His voice may be silent, but the lessons he taught will continue to speak. His presence will be deeply missed, but his love will forever remain in the hearts of his family. Rest well, William Earl Adams Sr. a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a provider, and a man whose life made a lasting difference.

Mr. William Earl Adams

December 12, 1953 - August 14, 2026