Samuel Boyd Adams, known to most as Boyd, devoted husband, loving father and generous grandfather passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Frances Adams, older brother, Charles Adams, and daughter-in-law, Melanie Adams. He is survived by Carolyn Wessing Adams, his wife of 55 years, Louise Adams (sister), Mike (brother-in-law) and Theresa Wessing, Todd and Kelly Maston (daughter), Sam Adams (son), Joel and Jill Peterson (daughter), six grandchildren.
Boyd’s relationships certainly extended beyond family although once you knew him as a friend, you may as well have been family. He nurtured lasting friendships with classmates, co-workers, clients, and pretty much anyone else who shared his interests throughout his life by remaining in contact and reaching out even when decades may have passed.
The foundation for Boyd’s deep commitment to duty, honor, faith in God, and devotion to family and country started early in life. Born in Columbus, Georgia and growing up in Irvington, Alabama, he was raised in a family of love, generosity, southern hospitality, and discipline.
He attended UMS Preparatory School and joined the ROTC program at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL where he met and married Carolyn. He graduated with a BS in Philosophy in 1968. He immediately began his 20-year career in the US Army and later earned an MS in International Relations from Troy State University.
As with most young military families, Boyd and Carolyn kicked off a lifetime of travel, meeting new friends, enjoying new experiences and building lasting memories. His Army career began in Air Defense Artillery which took him to service in Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star. He later transitioned to the Foreign Area Officer field and finished with assignments at NORAD and Army Space Command and retired as a LTC with the Legion of Merit.
Boyd began his second career with USPA & IRA (now First Command) where he and Carolyn continued to serve military families offering financial coaching to active duty and retired families. Building relationships and supporting new and tenured advisors led to their success, culminating in leading the Rocky Mountain Region.
Throughout his life, Boyd applied himself fully; he did not do anything halfway and retirement was no different. He and Carolyn used every available moment to do what they loved. He remained active in the community teaching children about the US Constitution through the Joe Foss Institute, delivering Meals on Wheels, and serving as a veteran and patient advocate on the Community Council for Sky Ridge Medical Services.
What began as a very active lifestyle in childhood with the family nursery, “Adams’ Garden of Eden”, fishing, swimming in Dogwood River and other outdoor adventures with his childhood friends grew into teaching some and sharing his love of rappelling, water and snow-skiing, white-water rafting, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking and entertaining with his co-workers, clients, friends, children, and grandchildren to include hosting “Granddad Camp” for summers on end.
With Carolyn’s partnership, their lifestyle paved the way, set an example and provided support and encouragement for Kelly, Sam and Jill to have their own adventures and successes.
Boyd’s ease to make friends, delivering on his commitments, dedication to education, remarkable generosity, and eye for detail demonstrated qualities to his children and grandchildren that leave a lasting impact on their lives and those who knew him. All of what made Boyd who he was will be deeply missed, cherished, remembered, and passed on to continue his legacy of making time for and sharing his blessings with others, loving his family, and fierce dedication to this country, its democracy and freedom.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The V Foundation for Cancer Research
