David Massey Adams

Raleigh - Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, David Massey Adams peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 20, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Known to many as Doc Adams, he was born on February 23, 1929 and was the third and youngest son of the late Clarence Leonidas Adams, Sr. from Holly Springs, NC and Duna Massey Adams from Chapel Hill, NC. He was a kind, thoughtful, and selfless Southern Gentleman and will be missed by many who loved and respected him. Born and raised in the Historic Oakwood community in Raleigh, David attended Murphy School as a young boy and graduated from Hugh Morson High School in 1947. Growing up in Oakwood created many special memories for Doc, and he loved to tell stories of the bygone days of simple life that included many close friends, locales and experiences he had there as a young boy. In keeping with family tradition, David attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1952 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. While at Carolina, David earned the high distinction and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society and The Order of the Golden Fleece. In addition, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity where he enjoyed honing his social etiquette and attending football games with his fraternity brothers to watch the infamous Charlie Choo-Choo Justice. Upon graduation, David went to work for the N.C. Dept. of Revenue, where he faithfully served for almost 40 years. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Mildred (Sandling) Adams, and they enjoyed 52 wonderful and faithful years of marriage together. In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his daughter Angela M. Chevallier and husband Paul of Raleigh, NC; his son David P. Adams and wife Jan of Holly Springs, NC; eight grandchildren (Kayla Benfield and husband Bryce; Sophie Chevallier, Madeline Chevallier, Eli Chevallier, Micah Chevallier, Kenan Adams, Morgan Adams, and Ashton Leigh Adams); and many extended family and friends, all of whom he loved dearly. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by two older brothers, Clarence L. Adams, Jr. and Charles P. Adams, both of which he shared a kindred bond. A simple and humble man characterized by simple desires, a strong faith in God, and an unwavering system of personal ethics and values, David loved and marveled Gods creation of the natural world. He loved to spend time in the woods at the family farm in Holly Springs, NC where he could identify virtually every tree, bird and wildflower in the forest. He received great pleasure sharing his knowledge and experience of these subjects with others, especially with his children and grandchildren. As a young boy and into early adulthood, he enjoyed quail and squirrel hunting every weekend with his friends and his beloved canine pointing companions, Chips and Pete. Doc always looked forward to his annual exotic destination fishing trips to Emerald Isle, NC with his dear childhood friends, Eddie Byrum, Curfman Campbell, Dickie Ford and Billy Mordecai, where jokes and stories were told and re-told year after year. As a lifelong member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC, David served in numerous capacities over the years and enjoyed the fellowship of its many members. In addition, he was a member of The Wake County Historical Society, The Ole Raleigh Boys club, The Military Order of the Stars and Bars, The Sons of Confederate Veterans, The UNC General Alumni Association and the NC Bluebird Society. Funeral services will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 8304 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Historic Oakwood Cemetery immediately following the service. The family will welcome and receive friends at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604 on Monday, September 23, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Flowers are welcome or a contribution may be made to the Tabernacle Baptist Church Building Fund.