NATE L ADAMS II

Nate L. Adams, II of Vero Beach, Florida, and Lexington, Virginia, passed away on November 20th 2013 at his home.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eloise Knox Adams, and their three sons: Hawes and his wife, Karen, of Columbia,SC, Robert Knox and his wife, Cathy, of Woodbridge, VA, Nate III and his wife, Liza, of Winchester, VA, five grandchildren, Kimbrough, Cabell, Lee, Rob, and John Adams.

Mr. Adams was born on March 2, 1924 in Lynchburg, VA, the youngest of four children of the late Isaac F. and Sallie Kimbrough Coleman Adams. He graduated from Augusta Military Academy in Fort Defiance, VA, and worked as a professional musician with the Sonny Dunham Orchestra prior to enrolling in the Virginia Military Institute in the Fall of 1941.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into World War II, Mr. Adams enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theatre. His brother, Hawes N. Adams, also enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and was killed in action in North Africa in 1943.

After the war ended, Mr. Adams returned to Lexington to complete his education at Washington & Lee University, graduating with the Class of 1948. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

After graduation, Mr. Adams returned to the Marine Corps as a commissioned officer, serving from 1948 through 1972, which included both the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts. His assignments included commanding a heavy mortar platoon with the 1st Marine Division at Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, and a tour of duty at Phu Bai, Viet Nam. While in Viet Nam, he fought in the Battle of Hue City during the Tet Offensive. His final assignment was as the commanding officer of the Marine Security Guard Battalion, which provided protective services for more than 120 United States Embassies and Consulates throughout the world. He retired with the rank of Lt. Col.

After the completion of his military career, he relocated to Florida and worked as the Vice President of the Atlantic Ridge Corporation, an international real estate development company.

Mr. Adams was an enthusiastic member of several professional military organizations and attended many reunions of his comrades in arms, as well as class reunions for VMI and W & L. He enjoyed boating, sports of all types, and Big Band Music, especially the Washington & Lee Swing.

Burial will be with his Marine comrades in Quantico National Cemetery Triangle,VA at 11:00 a.m. on December 13.

A Memorial Service will be held atthe R. E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church, Lexington, VA on December 14 at 4:00 p.m.

His family is thankful for a life well-lived. He was a good husband, father, and friend.

Memorials may be sent to The Campaign for Washington & Lee, 204 West Washington Street, Lexington, Virginia 24450-2116.