Last Updated on November 10, 2016 10:18 pm
Courtesy of Hampton Funeral Service
Gerald Clark Adams, 84, passed away on November 9, 2016 after a short illness. Gerald, known to the Appalachian Nation as Mr. Yosef, was the Director of the Yosef Club from 1991 until September, 2016. During his tenure as director, over $33 million dollars was raised for student-athlete scholarships. Prior to this position, Gerald worked for 37 years in Pittsylvania County Schools (VA) serving as a teacher-coach at Brosville High School, principal at Coates Elementary and Blairs Jr. High Schools, and as assistant superintendent for personnel.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife and ultimate dance partner, Julia; their six children: Robert (Gwen) Adams of Holly Springs, NC; Richard (Becky Snead) Adams of Staunton, VA; Ann (Scott) Bullock of Elon, NC; Robin (Mark) Outler of Atlanta, GA; Debbie (Raymond) Fachko of Callahan, FL and George Harvard of Jacksonville, FL; 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, one sister, Rosalie Adams, and one brother, Perry (Norma) Adams, all of Salisbury. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Ruby Adams, and his first wife, Barbara Setliff Adams.
Adams received his BS (’54) and M.A. (’62) from Appalachian State Teachers College. He served in the Army Second Armored Cavalry from 1956-58. During his tenure in education, he served as president of the VA School Personnel Administrators, Pittsylvania County United Way, Westover Sertoma Club, Dan River, VA Phi Delta Kappa Chapter, and as Audit Director of the VA High School Coaches Association and Governor of the Sertoma Club West Central VA District. For his beloved ASU, he served as president of the Alumni Association, and as a member of the Board of Visitors. He was the recipient of the Alumni Outstanding Service Award, the University Advancement Outstanding Performance Award, and the Former Athletics Association Special Service Award.
Gerald’s funeral service, where he will be sporting his favorite gold jacket, and black and gold dancing shoes, will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Boone United Methodist Church. Burial will follow. A reception on the 5th floor of the Appalachian Athletics Complex overlooking Gerald’s favorite spot, the ASU Football Field will follow the burial. Officiating will be Pastor Leonard Bolick and Pastor Reggie Hunt.
Pall bearers are grandsons Thomas Adams and Garrett Bullock, and close friends Rick Beasley, Sam Boyd, Jack Bonnell, W.A. Cline, Doug Coley and Bobby Idol.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Appalachian State University Foundation, Inc. for the Gerald & Julia Adams Endowment for Athletic Scholarship, in care of Advancement Services, ASU Box 32014, Boone, NC 28608. Gifts may also be made online at www.givenow.appstate.edu.
Online condolences may be sent to the Adams family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
