Thomas "Tom" Durward Adams Jr.

ROCKY MOUNT – Thomas “Tom” Durward Adams, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2026.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” Adams; his son, Jeff Adams and wife, Jennifer, of Greenville; his daughter, Karen Adams Kirk and husband, Matt, of Charlotte; and his four grandsons — Dean and Hank Adams of Greenville, and Will and Ben Kirk of Charlotte.

Born in Durham, NC, to the late Jeannette Rachels Adams and Thomas D. Adams, Sr., Tom was raised on a farm in rural Wake County.

Tom’s life was marked by service — to his country and his community.  Appointed by Congressman James C. Gardner to the United States Naval Academy, he graduated in 1971 and served as a surface warfare engineering officer before completing his active-duty career with a mine warfare planning group.  He later continued his service in the Naval Reserves in Raleigh.

After earning his MBA from Southern Illinois University, Tom built a career in operational, engineering, and research and development roles within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.  In 1982, he accepted a position with Abbott Laboratories (later Hospira) and moved to Rocky Mount, where he worked for 26 years before retiring in 2008.

In Rocky Mount, Tom became deeply involved in community life.  He served at various times as Chairman of the Boards of United Community Ministries, Tri-County Industries, Meals on Wheels, and the YMCA.  He also served on the Nash General Hospital Foundation and the Church of the Good Shepherd Outreach Committee.  Tom valued education and supported the Twin Counties Educational Foundation and Youth Leadership Rocky Mount.

Retirement opened a new chapter centered on family, community, and personal interests.  He explored documentary filmmaking through the Duke Center for Documentary Studies. An engaging storyteller with a sharp wit, Tom never met a stranger. He was also a member of the “No Name Book Club,” where lively discussions and lasting friendships flourished. A proud Naval Academy alumnus, he remained a loyal supporter of Navy football.

Above all, Tom cherished his family. He was always there for his children, offering steady support and thoughtful guidance. Known lovingly as “DeDe,” he treasured time with his grandsons and never missed an opportunity to enthusiastically cheer on Dean, Hank, Will, and Ben at Little League baseball games and in all of their pursuits.

Tom will be missed by his family and friends.

Fair winds and following seas.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM at The Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC  27804 with Rev. Rebecca Zartman Carpenter officiating.   Burial with military honors will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family prior to the service will be held in the church sanctuary from 12:00 to 12:45 PM.  A reception will follow the burial at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom’s memory to The Church of the Good Shepherd Outreach Committee, 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

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.