Walter Murray Adams, Jr., a native of Macon, MS, passed away at home in Gulfport with his wife and family by his side. Walter was born January 7, 1931 to Walter Murray Adams and Henrietta "Polly" Holt Adams. Walter graduated from Macon High School in 1949, where he lettered in football. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity. Being the honorable man that he was, Walter enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served in a B-29 unit stationed at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa during the Korean War. He was discharged in 1955, and enrolled at Mississippi State University, where he graduated with a bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958. A career at Mississippi Power Company followed and spanned thirty years. Walter was instrumental in restoration of services for the coastal counties of Mississippi following Hurricane Camille in 1969, and was involved in many high-voltage transmission projects in South Mississippi. He retired from Mississippi Power Company in 1988.
Walter and his family were members of the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, where he taught Sunday school and was a member of the Stewardship Committee. He also served on the board of the Salvation Army, and was a member of the Civitans of Gulfport. Walter spent many years as a member of the Gulfport Yacht Club and was an active supporter of the Gulfport East High Football Booster Club in the 1970's.
Walter was known for many things, among those being a father, husband, and trusted friend. He was a great teacher of all things functional. He was also known for being an avid fisherman, hunter, and reader as well as for having an outstanding intellect and sharp wit. Walter entertained his family and friends with captivating story telling and practical advice.
Walter Murray Adams, Jr. was preceded in death by his father and mother, Walter Murray Adams and Henrietta Holt Adams; his sister, Mary Adams Ketchum, his sister, Lucille Adams Taylor; and a grandson, H. Wayne Gray.
The loved ones who Walter left behind include his wife, Janice Adams of Gulfport; a sister, Katherine Elkin Crews of Memphis, TN; his children, Walter Murray Adams, III (Debby) of Metairie, LA, Catherine Eleanor Adams Gray of Gulfport, Boyce Elkin Adams (Donna) of Columbus, MS, Lawrence Rouse Adams of Gulfport; his step-children, Earl Mills of Albuquerque, NM, Wanda Noble of Gulfport, Joan Fowler (Ralph) of Gulfport, Janet Lee (Larry) of Gulfport, and Wesley Mills (Natalie) of Morganza, LA; twenty-one grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Walter will always be remembered for his service to his country and for being the individual that he was. He will be missed by his family and friends.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road in Gulfport where friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the service. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors.