Rev. Dr. Charles Leon Adams

Our beloved, Rev. Charlie Adams, 80, went to be with the Lord on October 14, 2017. He died at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC due to complications from an extended illness. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care and love he received from his many friends during this time.    

Charlie was born on May 12, 1937, to parents Elsie and Isom Adams in Elkin, NC. He grew up in nearby Mt. Airy, NC and graduated from Mt. Airy High School in 1955. From there he attended Brevard Junior College, where he met the love of his life, Beverly Ussery. He then transferred and ultimately graduated from High Point College in 1961. After graduation, Charlie was drafted into the United States Army where he attended chaplain school at Ft. Dix, NJ, and found God's calling into a life of Ministry. Upon his discharge he began a career as a social worker for the State of New Jersey before inevitably deciding to enroll into the Theological School at Drew University in Madison NJ. In addition to his master's degree, Rev. Adams went on to achieve his Doctor of Ministry from Drew.    

Returning to North Carolina in 1969, Charlie began his career as a United Methodist Minister on the Reidsville circuit; a group of three local churches that shared his services. His Ministry would subsequently lead him to congregations in multiple towns across North Carolina including Mayodan High Point, Asheville, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Kimesville where he retired from The Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2003. Retirement, however, did not keep him from carrying on his ministry. He extended his calling by accepting assistant pastor and interim positions at churches in Greensboro, Pelham, and Gibsonville, NC as he continued to preach up until he fell ill.    

Charlie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly; two sons, Ted and Josh, and three grandchildren: Richie, Anna, and Luke.  In addition to his parents, Dr. Adams was preceded in death by his oldest brother James, and baby sister, Ann, and survived by his other siblings, Bill and Grace. 

A Celebration of Dr. Adams' Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 19, 2017, at Gibsonville United Methodist Church, 501 Church St., Gibsonville NC. The Family will receive guests immediately following the service in the fellowship hall where light refreshments will be served. A private service will be held Friday, October 20, 2017 at Floral Gardens in High Point, NC.

In lieu of flowers, Charles wish was donations be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington is assisting the family.

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