Thomas F. Adams, Jr.

Raleigh - Thomas (Tom) Franklin Adams, Jr., age 75, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family Tuesday, August 14, 2018. He struggled courageously with an illness that eventually defeated his spirit. The family is grateful for the treatment and care received at UNC Rex Hospital and Transitions LifeCare. He shall be remembered as compassionate, kind and unselfish, and missed by all his children, grandchildren, family and friends. Tom is survived by his daughter Theresa Taylor, sons Jonathan Adams and William Adams, grandsons Ryan Barclay and Trevor Barclay and brothers John Adams and Robert Adams. His wife, Delane preceded him in death. Tom was a lifelong resident of Raleigh N.C. and attended Needham Broughton High School and North Carolina State University. He became a US Navy Reservist while attending high school and later completed two tours of duty serving on the USS Perry and USS Sims assigned with the 6th Fleet. Like most sailors of his era, Tom developed a love for various card games including Cribbage. He was a regular participant in the Raleigh National Cribbage Tournament. As a youngster, Tom was very curious and mechanically inclined. He acquired the nickname “tinkerer” and would take apart and re-assemble small machines, bicycles, and old radio and TV sets. As an adult, he founded and operated the “OK Auto Clinic” for many years with emphasis on VWs and other foreign automobiles. Tom retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he worked as a Technician, He was very proud of his service and USPS friends. His funeral will be held at Bryan Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh NC, visitation: 10 am Saturday, August 18, Memorial Service: 11 am. Internment follows at Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh NC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Transitions LifeCare.