Born in Dallas, Texas on May 4, 1937, and raised in the community of Black Jack, Wayne, lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering perseverance, and unshakable devotion to his faith, family, and career. From his early years in Brownsboro schools to his move to Paducah, Texas, for health reasons, his life was one of both challenge and triumph.
A gifted athlete, he earned a full scholarship to Rice University to play football, ultimately continuing his collegiate career at Texas A&I University, where he played in the Holiday Bowl in Tampa, Florida in 1959 and then graduated in 1960. His legacy on the field was later honored with induction into the Texas A&I Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
After college, he began working as an insurance adjuster for Northwestern Mutual. Starting in 1969, he balanced a demanding 50-hour workweek as an adjuster and his role as husband and father, all while pursuing his law degree at night at South Texas College of Law, a feat the dean himself once said was impossible. He proved them wrong, graduating in 1972, and embodying a work ethic that would define his professional life.
He joined Lorance and Thompson as a civil defense attorney, later a senior partner specializing in insurance defense. With 50 trial files already stacked on his desk when he arrived, he dove in fearlessly. By the end of his first three years, he had tried an astonishing 110 cases. Clients and juries alike admired his authenticity, his masterful storytelling, and his ability to win hearts with sincerity and wit. He spent the last 13 years of his career as in-house counsel at Progressive Insurance, retiring in 2012.
Outside the courtroom, Wayne was a pillar of faith and service. Raised in a Christian home, he carried those values with him throughout his life. He was a devoted member and servant of several churches over the years, including Breas Baptist Church of Houston, Richmond Plaza Baptist Church of Bellaire, and most recently, First Baptist Church of Willis, where he served faithfully from 1978 until he was no longer able to. Whether he was serving on a committee, writing wills for the widows in the congregation or helping move the church to its new home on Highway 45, his service was wholehearted.
He was a man of tremendous character. Wayne was respected by peers, adored by family, and admired by those who knew him. He was a dedicated husband to the love of his life, Geraldine “Gerry” Adams, whom he married on July 2, 1964.
Wayne was known for his tremendous garden and his unforgettable stories. His stories were comical, wise, and memorable. And just like those stories, his legacy lives on in every courtroom he inspired, every life he touched, and every family member who carries his love forward.
He is survived by his daughter, Terri Coleman (Bill); his grandchildren who had a close bond with their Papa, Laura Beth Pleasant (Brian), Jamie Robertson, Daniel Wayne Robertson, and Holly Hapke (Greg); his sister, Nelda Sifford; and his greatest pride and joy - his great-grandchildren: Jaxon Pleasant, Aiden Hapke, Ellie Robertson, Brady Shehan, and Breklyn Pleasant.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gerry; his son, Kelly Wayne Adams; his parents, Walter Lee, and Carrie Abbott Adams; his brother, Glenn Adams; and his coach and lifelong mentor, John Higdon.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 10 am at Cashner’s Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas with visitation beginning at 9 am on the same day.
