Jerry Alton Adams, Sr.

ROCKY MOUNT – Jerry Alton Adams Sr., 82, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 7th.

Born in Edgecombe County on April 12, 1943, he was the son of the late Gorman Alton Adams and Adele Parker.

​Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Jeanette Tippette Adams.  It brings the family comfort to believe that Jeanette fought her own health battles until Jerry was ready to join her in their heavenly home; she preceded him in death by only 11 days.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Lavania Adams Taylor; and his stepmother, Shirley F. Adams.

​An industrial electrician, Jerry, began working in the electrical trade at an early age.  After several years of working for others, he and three friends combined their talents to co-found United Electric.  In 1968, together, they built a successful company through teamwork and dedication.  Eventually, Jerry became the sole owner and continued to run the business for several years before retiring to pursue other interests in 1998.

​Jerry had a lifelong passion for automobiles.  In his youth, he purchased a ’56 Chevy, which he drove and pampered for years.  He lovingly saved the car for his son, Jerry Jr., who reconditioned the vehicle and continues to cherish it.

​Jerry also found joy caring for his animals, filling his and Jeanette’s “mini farm” with chickens, guineas, rabbits, doves, and pigeons.  He stayed active maintaining their rental properties and took great pride in keeping his own yard in pristine condition.

​The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Jerry’s kind neighbors, Solomon and Clementine Dantzler and Sallie Harris.  As Jerry’s health declined in later years, Solomon stepped in to cut the grass and she provided weekly meals, a kindness for which the family is deeply grateful.

Jerry is survived by his son, Jerry Alton Adams, Jr. and wife, Shari; his daughters, Sherry Adams Hunt and husband, Scott, Kayley Allyson Brantley, and Kim Bridgers; his grandchildren, Thomas Bridgers and wife, Erin, Brittany Adams, Brandon Scott Hunt (Nellie), and Tyler Adam Hunt; several great-grandchildren; and his sister, Barbara Anne Tippette.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Burial will follow the service at the Adams Family Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Jerry’s memory to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC  27565.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.