Elmer Davis Adams died August 30, 2024, peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family, at the age of 79.
Born on September 28, 1944, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a true patriot who dedicated his life to the service of his country and the well-being of those around him.
He proudly served in the United States Army Special Forces for 26 years, achieving the distinguished rank of E8. Among his many accomplishments, he was a proud member of the Son Tay Raiders, participating in the historic 1970 mission to rescue American prisoners of war in North Vietnam. This daring and heroic operation exemplified his courage, skill, and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers and his country.
Following his active-duty service, he continued to share his knowledge and experience as a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) instructor for 19 years. In this role, he dedicated himself to preparing the next generation of soldiers, imparting the skills and resilience necessary to survive the most challenging situations. His impact on those he trained is immeasurable, and his teachings will continue to influence soldiers for generations to come.
Beyond his remarkable military career, he was a man of many passions and talents. Known for his sharp wit and infectious sense of humor, he could light up any room with his presence. He had a deep love for dancing and singing, and he was always the life of the party, whether on the dance floor or belting out a favorite tune. He also enjoyed playing darts and was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, never missing an opportunity to cheer for his favorite team.
But above all, he was a family man. He was the rock of his family, always there with a kind word, a helping hand, and unconditional love. His strength, wisdom, and unwavering support were constants in the lives of his loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Martha Adams, and his stepdaughter, Lisa. He cherished every moment spent with his wife, Mittie Adams, and his family, which included his children, Teresa, Cathi, Dave, and stepchildren, Toyna, Tina, and Ricky. He also had 15 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a brother, Joe and sister, Brenda. He took immense pride in his family.
His legacy is one of love, service, and devotion. He touched the lives of countless others, whether through his military service, his role as an instructor, or simply by being the kind and generous man he was. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.
A visitation to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home. Service will be held on Friday September 20, 2024, at noon in the Rogers and Breece Chapel with burial following at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to https://gofund.me/2cf50464.