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Thomas ADGER Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
ADGER, Sr., Thomas E. Dr. Thomas E. Edger passed September 26, 2013. Celebration of Life Services for Dr. Thomas E. Adger, Sr. will be held Monday, September 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of The Master Presbyterian Church USA, 3400 M. L. King, Jr. Drive, SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30311; Rev. Olive Mahabir, officiant; interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Inc. Dr. Adger, called Tom among family and friends, was born September 22, 1932. Twenty-six years later, he married Elaine Ferguson. They would bear one child, Thomas, Jr., who preceded his father in death. A product of C. A. Johnson High School and Allen University, Tom earned the Doctor of Education degree in Administration and Supervision from Atlanta University in 1988. Though most of his professional life was that of an educational administrator, students and colleagues from his early years as a winning high school football coach affectionately remember him as "Coach". Tom's distinguished record of administrative experience included principalships in the Atlanta Public School System and serving the system as assistant superintendent of secondary education. In recognition of his effective leadership, Tom was honored as the Omega Psi Phi Educator of the Year in 1995. Aside from his 40 years as a professional educator, Tom Was an ardent member of his church family. Subsequent to being nominated an elder and appointed treasurer, he was commissioned to the Presbyterian USA General Assembly Nomination Committee for a one-year term. In addition to his devoted wife of 55 years, Dr. Adger is survived by his brother, Henry Adger; sister-in-law, Eartha Anders; brothers-in-law, William Walter Ferguson, Howard Daniel Ferguson (Gina), and James E. Ferguson, II (Barbara); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. The family will receive friends Sunday evening, September 29th, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Alfonso Dawson Mortuary; 3000 M. L. King, Jr. Drive; SW; Atlanta, Georgia 30311 (404) 691-3810. In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to Church of the Master.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas ADGER
jeff jarrard
December 23, 2013
He was a great man of knowledge and his great outlook on life. He will be missed always.
D C
November 29, 2013
Just heard the news. R.I.P Dr. Adger.
Grady Class of 89
Eve DeVane
November 7, 2013
He made my teen years bearable. Though things were rocky at home he cut me some slack at school and listened when I talked..he was the best thing about Grady in 1978.
C. Bassarab
October 15, 2013
Dr. Adger will be missed. He listened and provided gentle guidance when needed. I am grateful for knowing him. May he rest in peace.
October 6, 2013
To Elaine Adger and the family of Dr. Tom Adger, be of good peace at this time of grief. We, the alumni of Allen University do so appreciate the loyal support, service and quality advice always received from our good friend. Dr. Adger was the epitome of a great leader and I will more especially miss him, his kindness and his guidance.
Bobra Bright McAdams, Houston, TX
Member of the Trustee Board, Allen U.
Past President of GAAAU, Inc.
Former member of ALT CHAP of AU Alumni
Lori Jackson
October 5, 2013
Dr. Adger will be missed! God Bless his family! Thanks for being a blessing to many faculty, staff, and students at Henry W. Grady High School! ~Lori Dodson, Class of 1986
Ronnie Johnson
October 4, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lori Baxley McDevitt
October 3, 2013
Gosh I just tear up reading about how he touched all us Grady knights! Mr Adger was a great man and a true inspiration to us all. He always taught us to be respectful and watched over us, cause he loved us. I pray his family gets closure and that as you and God look over your life, your love of all of is will outshine everything. God bless you and may you enjoy your enternity in Heaven with our gracious Heavenly Father. We will always remember you. Grady wouldn't be the same without you and Dr McLeod.
Class of 1987
Jill Jarrard
October 2, 2013
Dr.Adger was Grady High School for me, he truly loved, supported, guided, and dedicated himself to all students. We always had great respect for him...as you would hear down the halls...' Mr. Adger's coming !' ..which meant get to class ! His spirit and memory will always be. Respectfully, Jill K Jarrard-Grady High Class of 1977.
Charles Lawrence
October 2, 2013
My Deepest Smpathy to Mrs Adger. Your Husband has been a True Blessings to this World. We will continue to pray for God's comfort through this very tough time.
Southwest High Grad , Class of 1977
Mal. 3:16 ~ Kim
October 2, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
keith cato
October 1, 2013
MR.A. ONE GREAT MAN WILL MISS YOU, AND THANKS FOR THOSE TALKS I WAS LISTENING.
September 30, 2013
Dr. Adger was a wonderful person. He was kind, gentle, and caring. I do not know one person who does not have respect and love for him as a teacher, coach, administrator, friend, husband,or father.
There are many stories that stand out in my mind. One is the day a student came to school without a coat. It was in the teens that day, so cold. Before the student left school that day he was sporting a new coat. I've seen many young men come down the halls of Grady High School with a hat on their head. When Dr. Adger appeared they would rather eat that hat than have him see it. Not because they were afraid but because they respected him.
The years he was my Principal were my most rewarding. He taught me so much about dealing with students and life in general. He ranks right up there with my father and grandfather as my hero. I will truly miss him.
Mrs. Adger may God wrap you in his arms and bring you comfort.
Betsy Allen Fanning
September 30, 2013
I will never forget the kindness, compassion and firm hand he held as Vice Principal at Grady. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. My time in High School was shaped by this mighty man. May God bless you all.
Ann Starr Jones
September 30, 2013
You lit up our lives.
~Grady High Class of '76
Ann Starr Jones
September 30, 2013
Lovely beautiful man, who meant so much to my family during our days at Grady. He brought new life into Grady during some times of turmoil and change. Rest in peace my dear man. Love and prayers to his family.
Marian Hall-Morris
September 30, 2013
May this candle burn ever so brightly for this angel that has made his transition to his rightful new home, where GOD has prepared a place for this angel in HIS many Mansions in Heaven with HIM.
Grady Alumni (1981)
Marian Hall-Morris
September 30, 2013
Dr. Thomas Adger was indeed the best principle I have ever had. He has made his transition to Glory where he has taken his rightful place in heaven with Mr. Alfred Campbell and the coaches from Grady, as well. I will always remember those fun times we had at Grady during those years he was our principle. You rest easy now Dr. Thomas Adger........I love you, and I will most certainly see you again one day. I will surely uplift the family in very special prayer. May GOD provide everything that you need as a family unit to make it through this most difficult time. Just lean on GOD and HE will supply your needs. Much love to the family.
Gwendolyn Wilson
September 30, 2013
Mrs. Adger,
I am so sorry for your lost. My prayers, love, and peace are with you. I remember Dr. Adger as a very kind and gentle soul. My God bring peace to you and your family during your time of loss.
Jacqueline Heard Fields
September 30, 2013
Elaine and Family,
I am Shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of Tom. A finer man has never lived. He will be long remembered my many thoughout Georgia and the Carolinas. I pray that each of you will have strength and comfort knowing that Tom is truly in the arms of our Savior.
Everlasting love and prayers for the peace of God be with you.
Sharon Franklin
September 30, 2013
With deepest sympathy we're praying for the Adger family at this time. Sincerely Ms. Pringle and Ms. Franklin
Dwight Wilson
September 30, 2013
I remember Coach Adger from Lemon St. high School. The Mighty Hornets. You will be missed.
Tameka Allen
September 30, 2013
Rest in Peace.
September 30, 2013
To the Adger family,
I'm thankful to have known and served under the leadership of the man we all called "coach".As a student and a member of the Lemon Street High Football team (team manager)-- Dr. Adger help shaped and molded many of us young boys into becoming young men.He was firm but fair and because of his widsom-- we were all winners. I want to express my sinsere syspathy to you and may our Lord and Savior continue grant you His peace during your hour of bereavement.
Minister Wesley D. Gullatte, class of 1964, Nashville, TN.
September 30, 2013
Dr. Adger (Tom) was a friend to our family while our children were at Grady High School where he was a great influence to us and them. He will be missed
Kit Young
September 30, 2013
Dr. Adger was the principal when my older sons were at Grady High School. He was an excellent role model and guide for them. As a parent, I feel blessed that he was such an important part of their education. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Jacqueline Butts
September 30, 2013
Ms. Adger
I am so sorry for your loss. Coach will be dearly missed. May the Peace of God be with during this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Sincerely
Eddie & Valerie Henderson
September 30, 2013
Mrs. Elaine, we are truly going to miss Dr. Adger. He was truly a pioneer educator and administrator for APS. Thank you for sharing him with us. Through our faith, we know we will see him again. With Love & Deepest Sympathy
Steve Nicolson
September 30, 2013
Dr Adger was the principal at Grady High when I was a student there in the '80's. He had a sense of humor (especially for a principal) and had a lot of common sense. He was fair and supportive, and most importantly commanded respect from all. He got the best out of the kids and the teachers. I am sure he affected a lot of lives for good. He will be missed.
September 30, 2013
Leaders of Men!
Dr. Adger was one of my earliest influences!
Good man. Rest in Peace!
Randall S. Wylie
Grady High 1985
Corinthia Albritten
September 30, 2013
Dr. Adger touched my life! I appreciate his guidance at North Atlanta. He cared about my education and I am forever grateful for his great leadership.
Betty Styles-Scott
September 30, 2013
Our prayers for the family of Dr. Adger. He has touched the lives of so many. A true legacy. R.I.P.
-GHS Class of '81
James "JD" Woods
September 30, 2013
RIP to the man who taught me to be a jack of all trades and to master them all. Thank you, Dr. Adger and WELL DONE, Sir!!! I will see you soon. RIP!!! James Woods NAHS CO '97
Shandria Tuggle
September 30, 2013
RIP Dr. Adger. Thank you for being an awesome principal and making us go to class!!! North Atlanta High School, c/o 1998
Cheryl Long
September 30, 2013
To the Adger Family,
I remember Coach Adger from Lemon Street High School Marietta, He and Ben Wilkins were a great coaching pair. Remember "Earth has no Sorrow that Heaven cannot Heal" Class of 1968
Kristin Stephens
September 29, 2013
Rest in peace.
Andrew Pace
September 29, 2013
Dr. Adger was a great leader when he was vice principal at Grady High in 1977-1980. He visited with us at the 20th reunion, it was great to see him. So sad to hear of his passing. I remember confessing to him about several pranks committed while a student at Grady at our 20th reunion.. he just said, "Pace, I knew you Gulliver and Torre did all that, don't worry about it". I only told him half of all the stuff we did. I will never forget his voice.. "Pace, get to class, why are you in the hallway?" He never waited for an answer, I never gave one. We would see him at Piedmont Park during the Dogwood/Arts Festival during class, but he pretended he didn't see us.. probably because he "was skipping class too". I was always glad he cared so much for Grady, it made me proud to be a Grady Knight. Dr. Adger, thank you for your strong leadership over many years. You were a strong role model and, on behalf of my generation, thank you for all the good times, the Friday nights dancing in the girls gym, the pep rallies and your dedication to Grady High. Job well done! You made a difference in our lives. Thank you and God Bless you.
Deborah weaver-jones
September 29, 2013
Thank Dr.Adger for caring about us you will be missed.
September 29, 2013
Dr.Thomas Adger was one of the BEST PRINCIPALS EVER at North Atlanta High School.
Coach Thomas
W T Jackson, Jr.
September 29, 2013
Thank you Mr. Adger for all you did for me during my 4 yrs. at Grady High(Class of 1983). R.I.P.
Danell Evans
Danell Evans-Goodwin
September 29, 2013
You were one in a trillions. Rip Mr Adger
Gloria Brown Williams
September 29, 2013
Sorry, to hear about the loss of such a great person. Mr. Adger became a part of my life at David T Howard, he was a second father to me and I admired and respected him. He later watch over my daughter at Grady High. Rest in peace to my second dad.
Carrie Hall Chute
September 29, 2013
Dr. Adger was Principal at Grady when I went to school there and then I had the opportunity to see him again when I was teaching at Inman Middle. I LOVED that man! He was an EXCELLENT administrator and I know he cared about his students. He was a good man. Thankful that our paths crossed. (What I didn't know until today is that he, too, was a Presbyterian! :-) ) Many, many blessings to his family. He will be missed.
Nancy Foster
September 29, 2013
Mr. Adger was a giant presence at Grady High School and made a huge difference in the lives of many young people there. As a teacher now myself, I truly understand what a difficult job he had and am grateful he chose to spend his working years at Atlanta Public Schools.
B E B
September 29, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
September 29, 2013
"R.I.P. MR. ADGER, YOU WERE THE BEST PRINCIPAL THAT GRADY HIGH EVER HAD, YOU WILL BE MISSED" -William M. Major (Buford Ga.)
September 29, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with the family in their time of sorrow.
Bill Little
September 29, 2013
Coach, I go a long way back to 1961 when you and Coach Ben Wilkins coached Lemon street High in Marietta, GA. I never forgot you and the games. My condolences to the family. Peace!
MiaB.
September 29, 2013
Prayer truly does bring the greatest comfort, especially during this time of sorrow.
- Psalm 66:19
Janis Parker Moore
September 29, 2013
Heavened has gained another angel in Thomas Adger. Special prayer for Mrs Adger who has been like a mom to me and my sister and lifelong friend to my family. He will surely be missed.
Steve McArthur
September 29, 2013
Prayers and sympathy to Dr. Adger's family. He had a way of making you feel like you were important, that you mattered, A great man that will be dearly missed.
Shequita Walker
September 29, 2013
My prayers and condolence or with the family in their time of sorrow. Mr.adger was a wonderful principal and man, it was a honor to know and have him as my principal. My Sincere love Shequita Walker
LaShana Bradwell
September 29, 2013
Dr. Adger Sr., was an inspiration to many. He will be missed.
Cindy Zetzsche
September 29, 2013
Dr. Adger was a wonderful influence on so many people, the Bertrand family included. We had the deepest respect for him and are so grateful for all he did for us during our years at Grady High. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Cindy Bertrand Zetzsche
LaTonya Blount
September 29, 2013
My condolences to the family of Dr Adger. He was a terrific principal and someone I could talk to as a student. I hope you can find some comfort in the memories you have of him. I pray to God for your strength during this difficult time. And may He bless you all.
Alexander Mizell
September 29, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Adjer's passing. He was a fine man with the composer of a lion and the heart of a saint. I was under his instruction at Grady High School in the 70's,and I will always hold him in high regard. May God comfort his family as only He can.Thank you for your guidance Dr. Adjer,I listened, Alexander Mizell
Marcus Smith
September 29, 2013
A man of honor, decency and respect. May you rest in peace.
Deborah Johnson
September 29, 2013
My prayers r with Dr.Adger family he was a great man&a good principal@Herny Grady High School!!!! Rest in peace!!!
Ruth Bruchey
September 29, 2013
Mr. Adger, you will be missed greatly by many past Grady High students, including myself. Although though I didn't always follow the no skipping class rule; when you did catch me doing so, you were always fair in my punishment. I kinda of enjoyed keeping you on your toes where I was concerned. I had a great respect for you as you treated your students as young adults instead of the children we sometimes acted like. From that I learned to respect and treat people through out my adulthood as you did to myself and others. I thank you for making me a better person. Your parents raised a great man.
V Austin [ Rev. 21:4 ]
September 29, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Marilyn Horton
September 29, 2013
My condolences to the famly of Thomas E ADGER Sr.
Tom & Lori Neal
September 29, 2013
We are saddened to here of Dr. Adgers passing. He was a great principal to us at Grady High. Condolences to the family.
Margaret Allen
September 29, 2013
This is very sad for me. I admired Mr. Adger. He was a no nonsense kind of principal but he genuinely cared for and loved all of his students at Grady high school. My condolences to all of his family and friends...especially to his beautiful wife. He will never be forgotten and always loved.
Paul Cloutier
September 29, 2013
RIP Mr Adger. You will always be remembered as a great man and educator.
P Sharpe ( Isaiah 12:2 )
September 29, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
walter white
September 29, 2013
thanks for all you did for me I will miss you.
Pamela McKenzie
September 29, 2013
Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
Dr. Adger will never be forgotten. He will remain in our hearts forever. May Gods love lift you up at this time. With my deepest sympathy, Pamela McKenzie (One of the many students whose lives were touched by Dr. Adger at Henry Grady High School)
Thea Thompson
September 29, 2013
When I heard of Dr. Adger's death it hit me like the loss of a parent. I was a student of Grady from 1972-1977. He was the only directional person in my life at this time. I wouldn't of graduated high-school, if it wasn't for him. When he first arrived, we were all afraid of him. He turned things around, at Grady, by teaching us to be responsible for our actions. He had a unique way about him. We all knew he was serious when he caught us misbehaving but he punished us with love. Never was he degrading, cruel or authoritative towards us. A very kind man who we all grew to love, admire, respect and appreciate dearly. I feel very blessed that I was a part of his life. I know this is a difficult time for you and many, many prayers of support are being sent your way. I believe, as he's in heaven, he now knows how many life's he touched and changed. He was a blessing for so many. I can see him now with his gleaming eyes and big smile...
September 29, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Elise Oppenheim
September 29, 2013
So sad to hear. He was a great man.
Dr. Carrie Roseberry & Family
September 29, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Martha Burns
September 29, 2013
To Mrs. Adger and Family, I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Adger he was such a dear and gentle man, so in this time of sorry may the gentle presence of friends and the caring love of family help to comfort you, please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts."
Martha Burns
b glover
September 29, 2013
I'm am so sorry for your loss. May god give you comfort n understanding during this difficult time (Psalms 1:1-3).
Isaiah 25:8,9
September 29, 2013
Sorry about the loss of your love one. May you find comfort through God's Word, the Bible.
Ruby McDaniel
September 29, 2013
Words cannot express how shocked and saddened I was to hear about Dr. Adger. He was such a calming influence and a godsend to many. He was generous to a fault, always ready to help someone in need. He was very special to those of us in the APS HR Department; he made our way much easier. He was a great listener and adviser. I know Elaine is truly going to miss him but God has other plans for our Dr. Adger. Rest in peace Tom.
September 29, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the Adger Sr. family during your time of grief...God is for you a "refuge and strength," A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with "peace and comfort" to endure the days ahead...(Psalm 62:8).
Ronnie Johnson
September 29, 2013
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
AVISUS HUMPHRIES CREWS
September 29, 2013
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY, LOVE, COMFORT AND PEACE TO THE FAMILY. GOOD MEMORIES TO CHERISH MRS ADGER FROM THE HUMPHRIES, JOHNSON AND SMITH FAMILIES, SOUTHWEST AND DOUGLASS HIGH SCHOOLS.
September 28, 2013
Mrs. Adger,
Thank you for sharing this gentle soul with us. Daddy will surely be missed and always loved. If you need anything please call and I will be there......
Darlene Wilford-Bey
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