Olin Sanford Adams (Big O) of Stone Mountain, Georgia went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at the age of 91. Olin is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Carol Shimp Adams, his two sons, Olin Sanford (Sandy) Adams Jr.(Kathy), Kenneth Wayne Adams (Val), his seven grandchildren, Zach Adams (Jessica), Natalie Adams Keller (Jonathon), Nick Adams (Dana), Caleb Adams, Mack Adams (Megan), Kelsi Adams Morrison (Evan), Connor Adams, and his ten great grandchildren: Colton, Quincy, Luke, Katlyn, Theodore, Grant, Madison, Hannah, Mabel and Magnolia.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia to Junior and Ruth Adams in 1930, Olin enjoyed his days with his beloved siblings: two older brothers, Seldon and Ralph, an older sister, Hazel, and a younger sister, Anne. Although he didn’t graduate from high school, Olin was an extremely hard worker, working in numerous jobs, too many to list, from the time he was twelve. He loved growing up on the east side of Atlanta, but everything changed when he moved across the street from a dark-haired beauty named Carol. Five years his junior, she caught his eye when she came to visit his sister, Anne, and so for the next several years, he waited for her to “grow up”. During this time, he had a short stent in the navy on the west coast which he remembered as “one of the best times of his life”. After returning from the west coast to help his mom, Olin and Carol began dating and two years later, in 1953 they said “I do” and they “did” for the next 68 years.
Southern Bell became his career for the next 30 years where he worked hard to advance in the company. He went back to get his GED in order to move into management. Olin also spent some time as a real estate agent which he enjoyed immensely, but his favorite job of all was being a father to his two sons: Sandy and Ken. From the football field, to the basketball court, to the karate studio, he was a dad who was “all in” with his boys. Proud is an understatement to how he felt about these two men and this sentiment was carried until the last day of his life on this earth. No man was “any prouder than he was” of these two whose sports prowess took them from the fields and the locker rooms to the pulpit and people. He often commented on the blessing of having his two boys as pastors, and his admiration and praise for the men they are was never far from his lips. He loved his boys and his Carol more than life itself.
His grandchildren and great grandchildren were an overwhelmingly rich part of his life, and he couldn’t be prouder of each of them. He talked of them on a regular basis, having a story or some other remembrance to share that was dear to him about each one. However, Olin did not just talk about his family, he prayed for them. He would pray for his family by name, hoping that each of them would find purpose and strength in following Christ. His relationship with his Lord was a significant part of his life and he was talking of reading his Bible and learning more about God even on his last day. There is no doubt that Olin was ready to enter the gates of heaven on Sunday, November 14th and this is a comfort and hope for all of his loved ones left behind.
Besides being a man of God, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, one cannot talk of Olin Adams without mentioning a few of his other skills and interests. He enjoyed wood working and loved building items for his family and friends. Although he slowed down in his latter years, it was a skill that he was proud of and enjoyed talking of his many projects. He is also known for his love of music, specifically country music, which is something he talked of often. He learned to play the guitar in his 20’s and played the guitar and sang his favorite country classics for all who would listen. He had many favorites from classic country to gospel, but everyone was aware of his favorite artist, Hank Williams. Yet, his love for music was rivaled by another hobby that he enjoyed into his later life: golf. He loved the game and enjoyed working on his skill and shared his love with his grandsons, several who are avid golfers today. He was proud of shooting his age and he boasted of his 3 hole in ones on a regular basis. One can’t forget his storytelling affinity. He told stories until his final day of all of his adventures and experiences of his family. Over and over again, the stories, cheesy jokes and endless discussions were an endearing part of who he was and kept his family smiling, laughing and “rolling their eyes” on occasion but always with an understanding that this was the Big O that they knew and loved. There are many other interests of Olin Adams but in short, as Carol lovingly described him, “he loved life” and all those who were a part of his. One of the repeated statements from his own lips and one of the last ones he uttered was “I don’t know another man who is as blessed as I have been”. He was blessed indeed and never took these blessings for granted!
91 years are hard to wrap up in a short bio but two things are for sure. First, he left a legacy of strong men and women who are filled with many of his admirable traits. Second, he heard the words “good and faithful servant” on November 14th and these things in the end are all that matter!
Visitation for Olin will be held Friday, November 19, 2021 from 12:00Noon-1:00PM at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281, with the Funeral Services beginning at 1:00PM. The Interment will immediately follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens, 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.horisawardfairviewchapel.com for the Adams family.
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