Tom R. Adams

Tom R. Adams, 88, formerly of Odessa and Andrews, passed away at the family home in Azle, TX, on December 9, 2020.

Service: 10:30 a.m.  Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Biggers Funeral Home.  Rev. Jim Brewer of First Baptist, Lakeside will officiate.

Burial: 1:30 p.m. at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas.

Visitation:  5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Biggers Funeral Home.

Mr. Adams was born on November 10, 1932, to Brownell and Juanita Green Adams.  He was raised in Brownwood and graduated from BHS in 1950.  His love of music dominated his high school years as it did all his life.  Tom was an active member of the A Capella choir. He sang with two quartets which were frequently featured in concerts and community events.  He was selected for All region, All Area and All State Choir.  Tom directed music in local churches while still in High School.  He attended Howard Payne University and Hardin Simmons University receiving BS in Music from HSU in 1954.  He was an active member of the A Capella Choir.  He was posted at the 7th Army Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany in 1955-56.  While in Stuttgart, he was “requested” by Colonels and Generals to sing numerous times at special holiday services in cathedrals in Germany.

After discharge from the US Army, Tom married Juanice Bishop on July 14, 1956 in Cross Plains, Tx.  They were married for 62 years until her death in July 2018.

Tom received a Masters in Music from Hardin Simmons in 1957 and began a teaching career that spanned 36 years in Odessa, Snyder and Andrews.  He spent 28 years with Andrews ISD as the High School Choral Director. Under the direction of Mr. Adams, Andrews Choirs earned many honors in UIL and invitational competitions.  He served as a judge for UIL Choral competitions all over Texas for 40 years.  He was an educational mentor to former students who went on to become music professionals and he shared his faith and cared for the salvation and personal character of his students.  He remained in frequent contact with scores of former students and colleagues.

“Brother Tom” served as Music Minister as well as Youth Director and Deacon of many churches in central and west Texas from 1948-2009, including Stamford, Anson, Cross Plains, Odessa, Snyder, Second Andrews and Seminole.  He retired in 2009, after a decade at Sunset Heights Baptist Church in Odessa, Tx.

While living in Azle he attended Promise Keepers and met many new friends including dear friend, Dennis Wynn.

The family thanks the numerous caregivers who looked after him when he was no longer able to live independently.  His partner in crime, Taynea Chandler of Azle, helped him shop for hours and scout for the best fajitas in Tarrant and Parker Counties.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanice Bishop Adams and his parents, Brownell and Juanita Green Adams.

Survivors: He is survived by his daughters, Carole Boyd and husband, Perry of Azle, and Cherie’ Williamson of Abilene; four grandchildren, Taylor Boyd and wife, Charee, Kelli Griffin and husband, Jacob, Trevor Boyd and wife, Micaela, all of Azle and Nathan Williamson of Abilene; his brother, SMSgt (ret) James L. Adams and wife, Betty, of Arlington; the joys of his life, his five great-grandchildren, Christian, Witten and Makenna Boyd, and Olivia and Alexia Griffin who lived close to him in Azle; his cherished numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.