Richard "Sparky" Gene Adams Sr.

Born in East St. Louis, IL and raised in Northern Virginia by a very political family, Sparky’s love of politics never waned. He graduated from Lynchburg College with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics and earned his master’s from Tulane in Epidemiology.

As a young man, he served in the Peace Corps as Instructor of Economics in Lima, Peru. Later he grew his career in leadership positions including Director, United Way of Northern Virginia; Director of Blood Pressure Program for the State of Alabama; and Deputy Director of Disease Control for the State of Alabama.

Sparky served on countless professional, community, and church committees, but was most proud of his roles as President of the Alabama Public Health Association, President of Catholic Social Services, President of Brewbaker Elementary School PTA, Board Member of Seton Haven, Driver for Meals on Wheels, Police Service Volunteer (Special Achievement Award), Vice Chair of Town of Pike Road Board of Adjustments, and HOA President of Old Pike Lakes neighborhood.

He is preceded in death by his father LaVern “Jerry” Adams, his mother Iris Adams, his mother-in-law Martha “Marty” Greene, his father-in-law Ret. Col. Melvin L. Greene, Sr., and his brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas Varley.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn “Kathy” Greene Adams, his children Richard G. Adams, Jr. (Ksenia), Rebecca “Becky” Nguyen (Thinh) and Kimberly “Kim” Roberts (Tad), his grandchildren Joel (11), Sydney (10), and Annie (7), and his sisters Marabeth “Marby” Adams Varley, and Kathleen “Kathy” Adams Deming (Portius).

Visitation will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 30, 2022, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am, and a burial blessing at St. Margaret’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, GA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Adams family.