Nathaniel Adams Jr.

Mr. Nathaniel Adams Jr., first born son of the late Nathaniel Adams Sr. and Ophelia Miller Adams was born on June 20, 1952 in Leary, Georgia.  He attended the public schools of Calhoun County, GA and graduated from HT Singleton High School in Morgan, GA where he played basketball.  After high school, Nathaniel attended Fort Valley State College, in Fort Valley, GA, where he also played basketball, and aspired to be a special education teacher.  His college experience was delayed when he was drafted into the Army in October 1971.

His last military duty station was in Fort Hood, TX, which subsequently led him to his future bride, Annie Bell.  He and Annie Bell met in 1977, at the NCO Club in Fort Hood where they and two friends met at Denny’s afterward to eat and keep the conversation going.  After dating for only one month, they both knew they’d found the love they had been searching for their whole lives, and on May 2, 1979 they were married.

Nathaniel was a faithful, loving husband and father.  His family was his absolute number one priority.  For 46 years, he made Friday night date night with his favorite girl a priority.  Whether he and Annie Bell enjoyed dinner out or just took a long drive, sometimes halfway to Dallas, they never missed their special time together. They were both night owls and enjoyed late night talks, especially over the last six years. Those talks and his one of kind laugh is something that Annie says she will miss a great deal.

He was always a hardworking man, oftentimes working two jobs.  He had goals and dreams and always worked hard to achieve them.  He returned to school, obtaining his degree in business and maintenance.  He used that knowledge during his 27-year career at Wilson Arts before retiring in 2016. Nate took great pride in his work and all other areas that he dedicated his time.  He loved coaching for the special Olympics, which he did for many years, where he was affectionately called “Coach.”  He also loved maintaining an immaculate lawn, ensuring the car maintenance was taken care of, fishing, hunting and even golfing on occasion.  Nothing, however, took priority over time with family.  So, they looked forward to their annual road trip to Georgia to spend time with his family back home.  Nathaniel was affectionately called Bug by his parents, siblings, and childhood friends. He was the embodiment of a family man.  Outside of their yearly visits, he called home often and spoke of how proud he was of his nieces and nephews.

In 2016, Nathaniel accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He then became an active member of Greater Zion Temple Church of God in Christ where his generous spirit led him to offer his time and maintenance skills there at every opportunity.  He was loved and appreciated by many.

Nathaniel peacefully departed this life Sunday, December 26, 2021 at his home in Temple, TX.  He was preceded in death by his father, Nathaniel Adams Sr, mother, Ophelia Miller Adams, brother, James Lee Orange and sister, Ann Adams, brother-in-law, Michael Manuel and Harold Manuel and mother-in-law, Doris Teague Manuel.

His wonderful life will be forever cherished in the lives of his wife and best friend, Annie Bell Adams, daughter, Patricia Roundtree, son, Nathaniel Adams III (Trey) of Temple, TX; sister Caldonia (Cal) Adams (Walter) Carter, aunt, Bertharee Walker of Leary, Georgia; brother-in-law, Ricky Manuel of Temple, TX; sister-in-law, Dianne (Rev. Jonathan) Irvin of Beaumont, TX and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that love him dearly.