William Henry Adams

A time to be born . . . William Henry Adams was born to John and Ruby Elaine Rolle Adams on June 4, 1951 in Miami, Florida.  He was born the baby boy of this union.  His parents, sisters, Sharon Sims, AntionetteYvonne Collier, Marsha and Diane Adams, have all preceded him in death.

A time to be baptized . . . William attended and was confirmed at Christ Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove, Florida under the late Reverend Father Theodore R. Gibson, Rector.  He served as an altar boy until he left for college.

A time to be educated . . . William attended the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.  Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary and Jr. High School, and graduating from Coral Gables Sr. High School in 1969.  He was a member of the Century Football Team at Coral Gables High School where he was inducted into the State of Florida Sports Hall of Fame.  He continued his education in Tallahassee, Florida at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

A time to serve . . . William served in the United States Army for 2 years.  William worked with Legal Services of North Florida (Quincy location) for many years.  He was the first Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator for Florida A&M University.  His career at FAMU spanned twenty-two years.  During his tenure in 2001, he was nominated for/received the University’s Superior Accomplishment Award.  In addition, William served as a member and Chairman of the Smith-Williams Service Center Advisory Board and as a member and Chairman of the Smith-Williams Service Center Foundation Board.  He retired from his duties in 2015.

A time to give . . . William recruited many students to attend his alma mater (FAMU).  He assured their parents that he would “look after them”.  He was known as Uncle Wee-Wee to many.  He gave his all to many.  It didn’t matter what time of the day or night it was.  He had a dinner night at his home very Friday.  His friends and family joined in to help on Fish Fry Friday.  He made sure that they had what they needed.  FAMU was very dear to William’s heart.

A time to be recognized . . . William was inducted into the Coconut Grove Hall of Fame, Miami Bahamas Goombay Festival in Coconut Grove, Inc.  William served as Class President of Coral Gables Sr. High School Class of 1969 Alumni.

A time to say goodnight . . . Early Friday morning, November 5, 2021, William heard the clarion call from labor to reward to be with his Lord and Savior.

A time to mourn . . . Left to sustain their irreparable loss are his children: his son, Shawn Harris; his daughters, Tawonia (Chaplain Alan) McMillian and Dana (Marcus, Sr.) Wiley; his loving grandchildren, Tyler George, Taylor McKinnon and Makenzie Knight; brother, Arthur L. Jones (Jacksonville, FL); nieces and nephews, Eric (Felecia) Roberts (Nashville, TN), Kevin Herman (Miami, FL), Sharon Thompson, Sharayne Milton, Sharnethia Milton (Milton, FL) and Nicole Sims (Orlando, FL); great/great-great nieces and nephews, first cousins, Rhonda L. Rolle, Rovena L. Rolle, William (Loretta) Rolle, MelodieRolle-Mitchell, Zachary Mitchell and Gualterio (Sylvia) White; God-children, Ltc. Rashad J. Fulcher, Ltc. Tarik K. Fulcher, Nicole Baker, Andrea Williams, Jasmine Fryson, and Ciantae Butler; best friends, Col. Robert J. (Deborah) Fulcher, and Alphonzo Butler (G.D.I. Crew).

William’s family extend beyond the natural realm because he touched and inspired so many lives in many ways.  They are too numerous to name, but the personal commitment and genuine friendship William shared with them will serve for many years as a living legacy.

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