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Dr. William Howard Adolph, 92, of Owings Mills, died Thursday evening, March 27, 2014, at home.
Born in Philadelphia, Pa., and raised in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Gladys Keen and William Taylor Adolph. He was the husband of Margaret "Mickey" Reynolds Adolph, his wife of 68 years.
He was a 1937 graduate of Towson High School. He attended college on a football and academic scholarship, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Maryland College in 1941. His dedication to the college continued long after his graduation; he served two terms as president of the Alumni Association, was an alumni visitor to the Board of Directors, the Alumnus of the Year in 1973, and received the Meritorious Service Award from the Alumni Association. In recent years, he organized a group of WMC alum for monthly luncheons.
After completion of ROTC in college, he was commissioned into the Army Infantry and served 30 months as an infantry line officer in the European Theatre of World War II, from 1942 to 1945. During his time overseas, he was stationed in the North African Campaign and was commissioned to the French Foreign Legion. Discharged as a major after the war, he was awarded a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and several battle stars for his service in North Africa, Sicily and elsewhere in Italy. From 1946 to 1972, he served in various assignments as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He commanded the largest Reserve Unit in Maryland, 2122D USAG, from 1967 to 1972. Prior to retiring in 1972 as a colonel, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit.
Following the war, he married his college sweetheart and moved to Davenport, Iowa, where he attended the Palmer College of Chiropractic. He completed his studies at the Columbia College of Chiropractic in Baltimore, where he graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1949 and opened his practice, which he maintained in Baltimore for 50 years. He was a faculty member of the Columbia College of Chiropractic in the department of physiology from 1950 to 1954. He later became the dean of the college. He served two terms as the president of the Maryland Chiropractic Association, was vice president of the Maryland State Board of Chiropractic Examiners and chiropractic consultant to Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Maryland. He was named chiropractor of the year in 1979 by the Maryland Chiropractic Association, and was a fellow of the International College of Chiropractics. He was a member of the Maryland Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association.
Throughout his 50 years of practice on Liberty Road in Baltimore, he maintained a family atmosphere and was known to open his doors at any time of the night or day, and provided care and treatment regardless of a patient's ability to pay.
As a man of faith, he served his church, Mount Olive United Methodist, as the adult Sunday school teacher for 10 years and in other leadership capacities.
His greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. When not busy with work or family, he was an enthusiastic Orioles and Ravens fan. He liked playing golf and was an avid collector of shoes and watches.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are children Lorna Adolph, Brent Toomey and Scott Adolph; a daughter-in-law, Gina Adolph; granddaughters Lauren Herring and husband Stan Herring, and Caitlin Adolph; and great-grandchildren Connor, Chloe and Cameron Herring.
He was predeceased by 10 younger siblings.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of a celebration of life service, 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Mount Olive United Methodist Church, 5115 Old Court Road, Randallstown. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.
Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com.
Sign this guest book online at www.carrollcountytimes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
A very funny, witty guy had a sharp mind till the end.Always had a joke to tell.Rest in peace Col.Adolph in the land of America's finest and bravest.
SFC (ret) Dennis & Coleen Deems
April 16, 2014
Dr. Adolph was an amazing man. He was my Chiropractor from when I was around 18 years old, and then for many years thereafter. Any time my back went out, he could "fix it" in a jiffy. A wonderful person with a kind heart and good sense of humor. Condolences to Dr. Adolph's family.
Rose Defeo
April 14, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Adolph helped me so much in one visit and in subsequent ones that he occupies a permanent place in my mind & heart, even 30 years later. May he forever rest in the hands of our dear Lord.
Elaine Summerhill
April 12, 2014
One of my earliest memories is a visit to Dr. Adolph's, the first of many. I am grateful for his example through the years, for he embodied all that a doctor should be. I am blessed to have been influenced by a man of such integrity and accomplishment.
Nadine (Shipley) Roberts
April 9, 2014
Sorry to hear of your loss. I have many wonderful memories of times spent with your family. Pat Prodoehl Spencer
April 8, 2014
SORRY FOR LOSE THE BRUNER FAMILY
April 7, 2014
There is no family more special to the Honemans than the Adolphs -- Razz and Bill, Marty an Mickey, the best parents in the world - four uniquely wonderful people. Bob and Amie Honeman
Bob and Amie Honeman
April 5, 2014
Dear Mickey and family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Bill. My earliest memories of Christmas include your visits to the Noon's. As there are no Noons left in Maryland I don't think anyone can share in your celebration next week. Know that those of us who are left are with you in prayer and spirit. Bill was a great guy and fixed many a pull and knot. May he rest in the loving hands of the Lord. Mary Anne
Mary Anne Noon
April 4, 2014
To the family, Luke 20:38 assures us that your loved one is in God's memory. Please find comfort in that hope.
C Jones
April 4, 2014
Brent, now more than ever I understand why you are such a warm and compassionate person! What a legacy your father has left behind! You and your family are so blessed by all the joyful memories you have shared. Peace be with you all.
Ruth Shaffer
April 2, 2014
I never knew you, Dr. Adolph. But having read about you, I now understand the living legacy you have left in your family. The loving photos of you and your beloved wife posted by your loving daughter Brent and your loving daughter-in-law Gina epitomize what anyone would want in a marriage. And I can see mirrored in your dancing eyes the light spirit that makes Brent such an awesome person. Dr. Adolph, I never knew you. But I have come to know those who carry your spirit and who mirror your incredible character. And I am honored. May you rest in peace.
Shelly Blankman
April 2, 2014
Scott and Gina,
Sorry for your loss, your dad sounds like he was a wonderful man, sorry I never meant him. Praying all the good memories will get you through this difficult time
Lori Sulin
April 2, 2014
We've lost another true American Hero. Dr Bill, I hope we all can live up to your legacy. Your steady hand and guiding influence will be greatly missed.
Joseph Stephen
April 2, 2014
Rest in peace Dr. Adolph. Condolences to the family from Loy Brown (wife of the late Bud Brown, alumnus of Western Maryland College). My parents shared alumni lunches with the Adolphs and my father was a dedicated patient of Dr. Adolph (hopefully they are once again lunching together in heaven).
Deena Brown Schrauder
April 2, 2014
Scott , Your dad was an awesome man. I remember going to him on Liberty Road. He was so kind and he made me feel better right away. I am sure he will be missed by the many people has touched. I will keep you and your family in my prayers
Valeri Balaz
April 2, 2014
We will miss uncle Bill, He has touched so many of our lives and will be truly missed. All his brothers and sisters are back together again and looking down on us. We send our prayer to the family.
Bob/Rhonda Hughes (Holland)
April 2, 2014
WITH EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART I WILL LOVE YOU
~LAUREN
LAUREN HERRING
April 2, 2014
Dr. Adolph was a wonderful man. When I saw him I was a child, and he was always so kind and caring. I remember him fondly and he will be missed. Prayers of comfort to friends and family.
Barbara Beville (Trail)
April 2, 2014
Dr. Adolph was a wonderful gentleman and a friend of the family for many years. He took care of many aches & pains for every member of the Stitely family. He was loved and respected by everyone that knew him. I will miss seeing Bill and his "always friendly smile" and hearty handshake. May you rest in peace Dr. Adolph !
Ron Stitely
April 1, 2014
Dear Family,
Please know that you can draw comfort from each other and from God. James 4:4.
KDM
April 1, 2014
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