Rufus Adams

Family-Placed Death Notice

Mr. Rufus Adams, 88, of 609 McDonough Road, Jackson, GA died Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at the Medical Center in Macon, GA. He was born April 12, 1915 in Monroe County, GA son of the late Benjamin Floyd Adams and Ada Pierson Adams. Following his graduation from Mary Person's High School in Forsyth, GA he received a two year scholarship to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, GA and graduated with honors. He attended the University fo Georgia and was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture for ten years. In November, 1946 he and Everett Briscoe founded Adams Briscoe Seed Company which is still in operation in Jackson. A prominent Georgia businessman, he has been affiliated with many other business ventures including Macon Feed and Seed Company in Macon and Warner Robins, Adams Briscoe Farm Supply in Forsyth, Lake Pines, Inc. and ABW Chevrolet Company in Jackson. Through the years Mr. Adams has distinguished himself in many areas as a citizen. He served on the Butts County Board of Education for twenty-eight and one-half years, twenty-five as chairman. In January 2003, he newly renovated auditorium of the Jackson Elementary School was named in his honor, "The Rufus Adams Auditorium." He served as the chairman of the Butts County Hospital Authority for eighteen and one half years. He served the Jackson United Methodist Church for five years as chairman of the board and thirty-six years as chairman of the finance committee. Professionally, Mr. Adams has served in many capacities, his advice and counsel a coveted commodity. A member of the Georgia Seed Association, he served as the Association's thirteenth president. In 1961 President John F. Kennedy appointed him as chairman of the Georgia Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service "ASCS" State Committee, a position be held for nine years. In 1969, President Richard Nixon appointed him as one of five members of the Commodity Credit Corporation "CCC", working directly with the secretary of agriculature to advise the president on matters of agriculture. President Jimmy Carter again appointed Mr. Adams Chairman of the Georgia ASCS in 1976. Intimately acquainted with politicians on the state and national level, Herman Talmadge and Jimmy Carter sought his advice when expanding their businesses. Mr. Adams' accomplishments did not go unnoticed. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College and the Distinguished Service Award from the Georgia Seed Association where he is a Hall of Fame Member. He was the first Boss of the Year recognized by the Jackson Business and Professional Women's Association, a Jackson Kiwanis Club Man of the Year, and a member of the Butts County Hall of Fame. In 2002, the Georgia Chapter Quails Unlimited presented him with their "Youth and Wildlife Conservation Award". A long time supporter of the 4-H Club, Mr. Adams was honored in 1996 with the establishment of the Rufus Adams Master 4-H Scholarship. Mr. Adams has served as a Founding Director of the McIntosh State Bank in Jackson since March 24, 1964. He has served continuously on the bank's Loan Committee and has been instrumental in the success of the company. A devoted husband and father, Mr. Adams has been married to the former Margaret Malcom from Walton County for over 62 years. Other survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law; Carol and Ben Garland, Macon, GA, Anne and Edward Atkinson, Marysville, WA; grandchildren, Ben M. Garland, Jr., Decatur, GA, James Adams Garland, Macon, GA, Elizabeth and Kent Tucker, Atlanta, GA, Kevin Atkinson, San Diego, CA, Craig Atkinson, Marysville, WA; great-grandson, Kent Bennington Tucker, Jr., Atlanta, GA and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 11:00 AM in the Jackson United Methodist Church. Dr. C. Layne Jenkins and Dr. Phil DeMore will officiate. Interment will be in the Jackson City Cemetery. Friends may visit the family at the funeral home Friday evening from 6-8. Those desiring may make the contributions to the Jackson United Methodist Church, 409 East Third Street, Jackson, GA 30233 or the Rufus Adams Master 4-H Scholarship Fund, 206 S. Mulberry Street, Jackson, GA 30233. Haisten Funeral Home, Jackson 770-775-3119.