Willard Adams

Willard Adams was born in Columbus Ohio on the 13th of November in 1930 to parents Rufus Columbus and Effie McCluskey-Adams.

As a young child he received only an elementary school education. His education was never a deterrent, for him wanting to carry out all he could during his 93 years on earth. He left home during his adolescent years and joined the circus. The circus was where he first discovered his love for traveling, while finding means to support himself and escape from a life he once knew.

He went on later to serve his country by enlisting in the army. Throughout his tour of duty he wed his then wife Sally, to this union they had six children Willie (Sam) and Gloria Jean and four children in which also preceded him in death.

He later Wed Barbara to this union one child one was born they named her Heather he often referred to her as Little Bill; he was also a bonus father to Carol, Steven, and Louis Jr. Willard was a hard worker, he retired from the City of Los Angeles where he was employed for well over 30 years. Willard was a servant of the Lord; Sundays were always spent in Church he was a faithful member of Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church and later Mt. Zion for many years; he loved the Lord he made sure Heather knew the Lord. As much as he loved the Lord, he loved health and fitness, he would run for miles taking part in the L.A Marathons, bike riding and going to the gym. He also loved to travel, one of his famous sayings was he referred to himself as a little drifter. Everyone that knew Willard knew he loved to dress up, and always smelled good, you would never catch him wearing nothing but the best from head to toe.

He was a lover of love, a hopeless romantic, he found the love he had been searching for, when he met his wife Gloria together, they shared a life together for 24 years until he departed this earth on July 24, 2024. To this union he was father to Andre (Deon), Aaron, and Amber. As he grew tired, and his dementia progressed, they were there day in and day out to help his wife with his care.

Willard was the last remaining sibling of 6 children, in which his two brothers and three sisters all preceded him in death.

Willard leaves to mourn his wife, Gloria. Children; Willie, Gloria Jean, Heather (Louie), Louis Jr (Vicky), Steven (Cynthia), Carol, Andre (Deon), Aaron and the baby girl Amber. A large host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will all love and miss their grandfather as he was lovingly known as Granddaddy and “PaPa.” Willard Adams leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace.