Gerald Wood Adair

Gerald Wood Adair was born September 6, 1941, at the “old” Seton Hospital just west of The University of Texas campus. The second of three children born to Sterling Wood and Vee (nee Baumgart) Adair, Gerald was proud to be a native Austinite.

After graduating from Austin High School in 1960, Gerald attended Durham Business School for a year. Then he enlisted in the Navy, proudly serving at Naval Air Station Lemore in California. In 1965, Gerald joined the staff at the Texas Water Development Board – a career he enjoyed for 31 years.

Gerald served the community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Austin Jaycee’s. He was honored as a Jaycee of the Month in 1966. He was a long-time member of St. John’s United Methodist Church and served as an usher there. Beyond that, Gerald volunteered at the Austin Retirement and Nursing Center for several years. And he routinely (and quietly) helped friends and neighbors with rides to medical appointments, trips to the beauty parlor, pet sitting and other needs large and small. He was a kind man.

There is one thing that everyone who knew Gerald will confirm – his long-time and hard-core love and devotion to Texas Longhorn athletics. Dating back to his junior high days, when “knothole” tickets to the stadium’s north end were only 50-cents, he was there for every home game. In 1971 he got season tickets. When the Longhorn Foundation was established, Gerald jumped on board quickly as evidenced by his astonishingly low patron number – 16!

He attended 50 consecutive Texas/OU football games and was present for UT’s National Championship at the Rose Bowl in 2005. Gerald was also an ardent UT baseball and basketball supporter. He attended as many games as possible. Gerald was on hand for the Longhorns’ 2004 appearance in the Final Four in New Orleans. And he was there for baseball’s College World Series win in 2002. A visit to Gerald’s impressive “Longhorn Room” in his home was testimony for his love of all things Longhorn.

The sporting events were significant, but the most important aspects of his love for UT sports were the many meaningful friendships Gerald enjoyed through 70 years in the Longhorn community. From Longhorn Foundation members and staff to other avid fans, coworkers, neighbors and friends – Gerald enjoyed the love and good will of so many people. This was truly his community and happy place.

Along with his parents, his brother Robert (Bob) Sterling Adair and niece Cindy Adair preceded Gerald in death. He is survived by his sister, Diane Adair Higdon; cousin Gary Blazek; niece Theresa Adair Lawrence (Tim); nephew Jason Sterling Adair (Nanette); and Bob’s wife, Helen Adair, and her son Geoff. Gerald is also survived by great-niece Chelsea Lawrence Coon (Colton) and great-nephew, James Lawrence. He was delighted by the recent arrivals of his great, greats: Emmy Coon and Bodhi Coon.

Gerald is also survived by what he considered “extended” family: Scott Wilson, Sissy (Nancy) Wilson and Bobby Drew. Close friends for many years, they enjoyed frequent gatherings and outings. Among Gerald’s favorite was Taco Tuesdays at Sissy and Bobby’s house.

He was an important part of an unusually close circle of neighbors. Gerald was grateful to Kaye Beneke, next-door neighbor for many years; Carolyn, Jon, Kate, Will and Hans Ahrens; Ina, Justin, Silas, Ailis and Melodie Power; and Amy, Jason, Lilia and Jasper Williams. One of his favorite activities was driving his classic 1965 El Camino in the Allandale Fourth of July Parade with the neighbor kids throwing candy from the back.

Gerald’s passing on ended a long and grueling battle with amyloidosis. He was grateful to Gregg and Michelle Philipson for their untiring support wrangling myriad medical appointments, medications, caregiving options, and opening their hearts to his beloved dog, Millie. He appreciated Laura Anders for her caring visits and ongoing support.

A celebration of Gerald’s life is planned for 2:30 PM Wednesday at St. John's United Methodist Church with Burial to follow at Austin Memorial Park.

Instead of flowers, Gerald suggested donations to Austin Humane Society, Austin Pets Alive, or St. John’s United Methodist Church.