Roy Adams

Roy Lee Adams, 76, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, February 2, 2024, from complications related to Alzheimer’s. He was born in Kingsport in 1948 and lived in the Colonial Heights area his entire life. Roy was a proud graduate of Holston High School and East Tennessee State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology.  

As a child, he was a faithful member of Adams Chapel Methodist Church, where his father’s ancestors were founding members. Once married, he joined his wife, Jane at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, where he was a loyal and active member, serving on several local and district committees.

Before retiring in 2012, Roy was President of two family-owned construction companies— Little & Adams, and A&L Industrial Construction. He truly valued the relationships formed with employees and colleagues. He was the first one to the office and the last to leave during his more than 40 years in business.  In past years, he was a member of Colonial Heights Optimist Club, served on the boards of The Associated General Contractors and Kingsport Safety Council, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow while a member of the Kingsport Rotary Club.

Roy served in the Tennessee National Guard from 1967–1972. He was a member of the Kingsport Masonic Lodge #688, Kingsport Shrine Club, and Sullivan County Scottish Rite Club.

Roy enjoyed the simple pleasures of life such as tending to yard work, growing vegetables and flowers, and watching the hummingbirds that returned year after year. He was a true sportsman and enjoyed freshwater fishing in East Tennessee as well as out West, along with annual hunting trips to Montana with special friends, and golfing at every opportunity.  

Roy’s most joyous times were spent with family. He graduated from “Dad” to “Pops” as his grandchildren were born, and never failed to express his gratitude for the blessings of family. He was an active and engaged grandparent and enjoyed shooting hoops with his grandchildren and treating them to innumerable tractor rides around the neighborhood. Countless memories were made on annual family vacations, and in later years, travels with his wife after retirement. Together they explored National Parks, relaxed on beaches near and far, searched for shark’s teeth in the sand, and always, always enjoyed planning ‘where to eat next’. 

Roy lived his Christian faith and was a man of principles, standing up for his beliefs and putting into action every day his values of integrity, honesty, compassion, and kindness to all.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mort Lee and Belva Pace Adams and brother, David Adams. 

Roy is survived by Jane, his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 54 years; beloved daughters, Tabitha Sells (Sean) and Hayley Adams; precious grandchildren, Henry Sells, Tillie Sells, Gabby Evans, and Jacob Evans; niece, Hannah Harvey (Joseph) and their children Cahill and Rachel; several cousins; and a host of friends.

Roy’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude for the loving care and compassion shown by the entire staff at The Blake, Suncrest Home Health, the dear ladies of Care Central, and Gentiva Hospice.

The family also wishes to acknowledge and express their thankfulness for the precious friendships Roy developed over the past two years with Mr. John Neeley, whom Roy called “The Captain”, Larry Egan, and Dan and Twala Blalock. The love, laughter, faith, and fellowship they shared will forever be in our hearts.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church. Roy’s Celebration of Life will follow at 2 pm, with Pastor Chris Brown officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Colonial Heights United Methodist Church – PO Box 6027, Kingsport, TN  37663.