Gary Adams

Mr. Gary Paul Adams, 77, of Woodbury, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Born in Trenton, Michigan, just off the coast of Lake Erie proved to be a location that resonated with Gary throughout different stages of his life. Though he was a trick-or-treat baby born on Friday, October 31, 1947, into the Adams Family, those were the only things you could consider eerie about Gary. He leaned toward being the treat side of the equation with his serious personality and calm demeanor.

Much of his personality probably came from his upbringing. Like many in our community during the Great Depression, the Adams family had moved out to Michigan for work. However, soon after Gary came into their lives, they had the added treat of being able to move back and settle in the Ivy Bluff community. The Adams family didn't have much, but what they lacked in resources they made up for in lessons of character and love.

Most would consider Gary's childhood rough, but he appreciated that he grew up rich in what mattered most in life - faith, hope, and love. His family afforded him the opportunity to attend and graduate from Woodbury Central High School, and Gary furthered his education going to the trade school in Murfreesboro for HVAC. While doing that, Gary started working for Samsonite, and he remained there for about 30 years doing maintenance before going to work for Nottingham Apartments.

Gary's years at Samsonite were pivotal in his life. That was where he decided to volunteer for 2 years of service in the Army, and while stationed in Texas, he found his knack and passion for shooting. After his brief military detour, Samsonite then became the place where Gary met the love of his life, Kay. It's not quite clear who asked out who on the first date. The attraction was mutual, and the chemistry between the two was unmatched.

Both plain people and old souls, Gary and Kay found harmonious companionship that allowed them to serve God better together than they could apart. They wed in 1987 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the rest was history. Kay liked to pick at him saying he was her "spook," but there was never any fear when it came to their relationship. Their strong devotion to one another climbed every mountain and weathered every valley.

Some of their fondest memories revolved around the trips they took over the years together. Gary may have come from freshwater, he quickly turned over to saltwater when he and Kay began deep sea fishing together. They did tournaments in Panama City until the city "wasn't no good anymore" and turned away from catering to the people with old souls. Though it was sad to watch some of their favorite eating holes start to vanish, Gary and Kay knew they'd always have the Smoky Mountains.

Several trips to go hiking along the trails and reminisce of their wedding day were made. They saw entire bear families, enjoyed the cool fall air, and shared company with one another and God's creation. When they weren't hiking, they would go for drives through Cades Cove and on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Yet, no matter how many trips they went on and enjoyed, nothing ever compared to being home.

The simple things in life enthralled Gary the most. Being out with his goats was a place of peace and comfort for him. He cared for them deeply along with his donkeys, ducks, dogs, and just about any animal. His trusty Anatolian Shepherd, Abby, stayed with his herd and by his side, working with, caring for, and tending to the herd. If Gary wasn't out with his animals, then you would probably find him having some target practice. He enjoyed shooting and perfecting his marksmanship with any gun he could get his hands on.

Out of every aspect in Gary's life, there were two things he took the most serious. Those were faith and family. A longtime member of Smith Grove Church of Christ, Gary dedicated his heart to God and the furtherance of His Kingdom. He took his role in the body of Christ to heart and made any efforts he could to grow God's family. When Kay thinks about Gary, the first thing that comes to mind is love. He showed it, he shared it, and he lived it. Now, Gary has found rest from his labor, seen the hope for tomorrow, and entered on his great reward.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Norman Paul and Dolly Herndon Adams; brother, Tony (Elaine) Adams; sister, Nina (William) Layne; and brother-in-law, William Layne.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Adams; sister, Irma Melton; close nieces and nephews, Kristy Williams, Lori Ann Melton, Ursula Lorenz, Barbara Harmon, Danny Watson, and Paul Adams; close cousins, Don, Bob, and Raymond; close sister-in-law, Linda (David) Cottingham; and special friends, Shane Nichols, Al Bugg, and Tim Gentry.

The family will hold private services at a later date.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story