William Adams Obituary

William "Bill" "Bones" Adams

December 12, 2024

JOHNSON CITY - William "Bill" "Bones" Adams, 75, Johnson City, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Johnson City Medical Center.

Bill was a native of Dante, VA, and had been a resident of Johnson City for most of his life. He was a son of the late William Henry Adams, II, and Kathryn Miller Adams.

Bones was a 1967 graduate of Castlewood High School, where he excelled in track and field, baseball, and was All-State in football.

He began working at age 13, driving a coal truck to help support his family. Bill formerly served the communities of Scott and Wise County Virginia as a police officer, until he was injured in the line of duty. He then worked briefly as a truck driver before coming to Zak's Furniture, where he worked in sales, and later as the warehouse manager. Bones then worked as a car salesman at Chaparral GMC/Buick for more than 20 years, retiring in 2017. During this time, he also enjoyed spending time working in several capacities at Bristol Motor Speedway. Bill also was proud to work with the Johnson City Police Department on the Civil Service Commission for the past seventeen years, where he only missed two meetings, and was recently re-elected to serve another term.

Bill was a longtime member of Thankful Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board, was a Trustee, a member of the Brotherhood, Men's Choir, security team, and bus ministry.

Bones formerly volunteered his time for several years coaching youth football with the Boys Club and for Stratton Elementary, baseball with the former Pony/Colt league, and basketball for the Johnson City Parks and Rec. He enjoyed sports of all kind, and especially loved watching his grandsons play and granddaughters cheer. He was an avid Science Hill High School fan and supporter, as well as the Alabama Crimson Tide and Los Angeles Dodgers.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence and David Adams, and a sister, Sharon Foster.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Barbara Ann Mathes Adams; three children, Rhonda Conley and husband Ben, Gary "Shorty" Adams and wife Carol, and Ashley Adams, all of Johnson City; five grandchildren, Courtney Adams, Johnson City, Addison Adams, Memphis, Jaylan Adams, Thomasville, GA, Nya and Alayah Conley, both of Johnson City; three great-grandchildren, Myla Adams, Daxton Tucker and Xara Kareem, all of Johnson City; beloved adopted daughter, Crystal Miller and granddaughter, Makaila Wooten, both of Johnson City; three brothers, Ruben Adams, Brooklyn, NY, Paul Adams (Carolyn), Richmond, VA, Charles "Doc" Adams and wife Linda, Lebanon, VA; one sister, Thelma Williams and husband Don, Albany, NY; brothers-in-law, Wayne Foster and Luther Mathes, Jr., both of Johnson City; sister-in-law, Sharon Adams, Johnson City; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral service honoring Bill's life will be conducted Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1:00 P.M., in the sanctuary of Thankful Baptist Church, 1501 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601. Reverend Dr. Aaron T. Murphy will officiate.

The family will receive friends Saturday prior to the service from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at the church.

The graveside committal service will follow at 3:00 P.M. in Washington County Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the Adams family. (423)928-6111