LTC (Ret.) Sam J. Adams Jr.

Graveside services will be held Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM in Riverdale Cemetery with military honors. Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia.

Sam was born at the Columbus Hospital on August 13, 1919, son of the late Sam J. Adams and Clarice Adams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Becky.

He attended Columbus public schools, Wynnton Elementary and graduated from Columbus High School in 1937. Attended GA Tech 1937-1941 and was drafted in the U.S. Army, July 1941 as a Buck Private, went to officer Candidate School in 1942 and retired as Lt. Col. In 1961. He served two tours in Germany, one during World War II and two tours in Korea, one before war and second during the war. He received combat infantry badges for World War II and Korea. Received Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Combat Infantryman’s Badge with Star; American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World War II victory Medal; Distinguished Unit Citation; 4 OS Bars; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation; Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

After Army Retirement he went to work at Victory Bowling Lanes and in 1962 with others bought the Lanes as co-owner and General Manager for 30 years.

Sam was a Life Member and Hall of Famer in the Georgia State Bowling Association as well as the Columbus Bowling Association.

Sam was baptized in First Baptist Church in 1931 and moved his membership to Benning Hills Baptist Church upon returning to Columbus in 1951.

Survivors include son, Sam J. Adams III (Alice), two daughters, Carol Adams Johansen (Brent) and Barbara Adams Baugh (Billy). Also included are three granddaughters, Becky Johansen Oxford (Erik), Tricia Johansen Greer (Steve), and Nicole Adams. Great grandchildren include Sam and Drew Greer, Erik, Mary Beth and Ann Carlton Oxford.

Memorials may be made to Columbus Hospice at www.columbushospice.com

A very special thank you to Grace Ward, Deborah Edens and Lisa Dionne for providing such wonderful care and compassion.