Randolph Craig Adams

Randolph "Craig" Adams, 82, of Big Canoe, Georgia, died Monday, October 27.



Craig was born in Newport News, Virginia to Mary Ellen and Hugh D. Adams. He was raised in Newport News with his brother, Dan, and his grandparents close by. He graduated from Warwick High School in Newport News in 1961 and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a degree in Business Administration in 1965. He joined the United States Navy, where he graduated from the US Naval Officer Candidate School. He rose to the rank of lieutenant serving on the destroyer, USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (DD-850). He piloted Gyrodyne DASH drone anti-submarine helicopters and spent his final years of service as a flight instructor at the Dam Neck Naval Station.



After leaving the Navy, he had a successful career in the furniture industry. He started in sales before moving to manufacturing leadership roles. He was a strong leader and an innovative thinker, enabling success with each opportunity he pursued and earning him several awards and acknowledgments. He earned his MBA from Georgia College and State University in 1992 and taught as an adjunct professor for several years at Guilford College in North Carolina. His career kept him moving. He lived in Newport, RI, Virginia Beach, VA, Chester, VA, Lancaster, PA, Furlong, PA, Landisville, PA, Dublin, GA, High Point, NC, Starkville, MS, and ultimately retired to Big Canoe, GA. He and his loving wife made many lifelong friends along the way.



He loved to play tennis. It was his favorite pastime for most of his life and in retirement he would frequently play multiple matches in a single day. He also liked to run, hike, snow ski, and play bocce. He loved to be active outdoors. He had several beloved dogs throughout his life and leaves behind his faithful retirement sidekick, Flop. He was a talented musician in his youth, playing guitar and piano, and was even in a band during college.



Craig was a loving husband and father. He instilled in his kids a strong work ethic, a love of family (including pets), a passion for learning, and a sense of adventure. He is survived by his loving wife, Louann Adams of Big Canoe, GA; his children Randy (Melanie) Adams of Carlsbad, CA; Scott (Brooke) Adams of Cumming, GA; and Katie (Jeremiah) Nicholson of Cashiers, NC. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Emily, Kendall, Claire, Drew, and Olivia, whose laughter and love brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brother, Dan (Jeanne) Adams of Stafford, VA, and many dear friends who will cherish his memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Big Canoe Club, Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.