Harold "Coach" Adams Jr.

Mr. Harold Adams Jr. affectionately known to some as “Pokey” and to others as “Coach” transitioned from this life on earth to his heavenly home on December 8, 2015 at 10:27am while in Clear Lake Regional Medical Center. On July 13, 1933, Harold Adams Sr. and Elease Jones welcomed their baby boy into this world in Egypt, TX. Harold attended public schools in both Wharton, Texas City and Galveston, TX as a child. He attended Booker T. Washington until the 10th grade and graduated from Central High School in Galveston in 1951. After graduation, Harold’s passion for baseball and athletic abilities led him to Florida where he joined training camps for the Negro Baseball League. He was afforded the opportunity to tour with The Birmingham Barons for a short time. In 1953, Harold entered and served in The United States Army and was stationed in Florida. Harold was well-known as being a superb and talented athlete. Harold’s gifted athletic abilities led him to have a passion for sports, which he was not shy about sharing his knowledge and experience with those around him, especially the youth.   In 1964 Harold transferred from his restaurant career in Florida to a sister store in Belmar, NJ until he decided to change careers in 1965. He secured employment with Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital in 1965 where he became a co-founder of the union group for employees of that hospital. Due to his excellent negotiation skills and knowledge as a union representative, AFL-CIO Union hired him as Union President for their company. During his time as Union President, Harold attended Rutgers University to obtain numerous certifications to serve in his position. Harold remained at AFL-CIO until he took an early retirement with that company in order to embark upon his entrepreneur dreams. In 1993, Harold opened “Real Texas Style Bar-B-Que” in New Jersey, which lasted 4-years. Being that he loved talking and networking with others, it was no surprise to those closest to him that he dedicated much of his time partnering with several different multi-level marketing companies. Harold sold telecommunication options (ACN), coffee products (Organo Gold), and several herbal drinks just to name a few. Growing up, Harold was known as being a superb and talented athlete in both baseball and basketball. His gifted athletic abilities led him to have an extreme passion for sports, which he was not shy about sharing his expertise others. He took great exception to sharing his knowledge and skills with the youth. While in New Jersey, Harold coached the youth in Neptune Township in both baseball and basketball. When he moved back to Texas in his later years, he created Southside Athletics Organization, which taught local youth fundamentals in sports, offered tutoring for college entry exams such as the SAT, provided scholarships and the opportunity for youth to scout various colleges/universities. Harold was also well connected to head coaches at schools such as Duke University where at times they reached out to him about scouting local talent for their sports programs. In addition to sports, Harold enjoyed politics and spent much of his time in 1988 serving as a community activist in New Jersey on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign by registering citizens to vote. When he relocated back to Texas he engaged in local politics by encouraging others to vote.                 Harold rededicated his life to Christ at Greater Barbous Chapel Baptist Church in Texas City, TX under the leadership of Pastor Berry. He attended group meetings, bible study and Sunday service regularly. Waiting in heaven to take his hand was his father, Harold Adams Sr., his beloved mother, Elease Jones (Scott) and brother, Johnny Rabb (Galveston, TX).   Left to cherish memories on earth are his 7 children: Sharon Woodfox of Texas City, TX; Reginald Scott of Texas City, TX; Abu’l Hassan Abdul-Malik (Michael) of Missouri City, TX; Edyth Adams of St Petersburg, FL; Harold Adams III of St. Petersburg, FL; Allyson Olsen of Miami, FL and Kevin Adams of Fayetteville, NC. His sisters and brothers: Dorothy Walker (Charles) of LaMarque, TX; Mary McNeal (Gil) of Houston, TX; Bridgette Pope (Charles) of Spring, TX; Kenneth Adams, Ernest Adams, Albert Adams and John Adams all of Houston, TX will be left to mourn him as well. He will be missed by his 19 grandkids, 8 great grandkids, very special cousins, The Hatton Family of Wharton, TX, a special friend, Lenora Thomas of New Jersey and numerous other family members and close friends.