April 22, 1937-July 28, 2014
Larry Eugene Adams, age 77, of Atlanta, peacefully passed away Monday, July 28, 2014. Husband, father, grandfather, friend – Larry was known for his loving, generous spirit and his courageous fight for life.
He was born on April 22, 1937, in Topeka, KS, the eldest of five children. At the age of eight, his family moved from Kansas to the small farming community of Verndale, MN when his parents, Norman and Elfreda, bought a large dairy farm. He graduated from Verndale High School in 1955 and attended the University of Minnesota where he was a member of Farm House Fraternity. Larry was an International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) delegate to Portugal between his junior and senior years in college. After graduating from U of M in 1960, Larry committed his life work to the micronutrient division of the fertilizer industry.
On December 14, 1961, Larry married Josephine (Jo) Carol Gute, his devoted wife of 52 years. They had two children, Jeffrey (Jeff) and Julene (Julie). Larry was involved in several church and community activities. He enjoyed coaching and managing his children’s sports teams. His church activities included youth group leader, usher, and council member.
In 1965, a job transfer brought him to Atlanta, GA where he established his home and life-long career. Larry spent most of his years working for Traylor Chemical and Supply of Orlando, FL. He was a leader in the fertilizer industry, and responsible for the development and promotion of liquid micronutrients. Upon establishing his career in the south, Larry became a longtime member of the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society (GPFES). He was well respected in his field and most honored to receive the Blair W. Davis Award from the GPFES in recognition of outstanding contributions to Georgia Plant Food’s Educational Society and the Field of Agriculture.
After retirement, Larry and Jo spent time traveling, which was a great passion they shared together. Some of their favorite trips included visits to Israel, Italy, China, Russia, and South America. In addition, Larry developed a great interest in growing native Azaleas. This led to his membership in the Azalea Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and becoming their long standing treasurer. Larry was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. He took great pride in driving the van for Lutheran Towers, a church supported residence for senior citizens. The residents always appreciated his ready smile and kindness. Twice a month Larry served at the “Red Door Café,” Redeemer’s soup kitchen. Larry also worked with Redeeming Grace, an outreach ministry focused on rehabilitating young girls who are victims of the sex trade. Beyond serving on the Redeeming Grace church committee, Larry volunteered at one of the Wellspring Living thrift stores, whose income supports the program Redeemer partners with in its outreach ministry.
Larry’s greatest passion and commitment was to his family. He believed the strength of an individual comes from one’s family. Travels to see family, family trips, celebrations, and events were always of prime importance to him.
Larry is survived by his wife Jo (Atlanta), son Jeff and wife Sharon (Clarkesville, GA), and daughter Julie McClellan and husband Dudley (Austin, TX). His grandchildren include Amber, Marlee, Kristin, Emily, Anna, and Audrey. Larry is also survived by his sisters, Roberta (Don) Karger, Sandy (Steve) Cox, brother, Richard Adams, and sister-in-law, Jane Holt, as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Elfreda Adams, and brother Dean Adams.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorials be given in Larry’s name to Redeeming Grace; c/o Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer; 731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Friday, August 1, 2014 at 2pm.
H.M. Patterson & Son Funeral Home – Oglethorpe Hill Chapel in Atlanta is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.hmpattersonoglethorpe.com
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