Stephen Scott Adams, Jr.

Stephen Scott Adams, Jr. was the first baby born in the first hospital in Melbourne, Florida on May 16, 1928. During the Depression, one of four children, he lived with his grandparents on a farm in Matthews, Virginia, where they all worked hard to survive.

After finishing high school, Steve went straight into the Navy - those were the most educating years of his life. He served during World War II in the Marshall Islands as a deep-sea diver. He was one of 89 men chosen to go out on a mission to capture the German ship, the Pinz Eugen - which they successfully did. Steve often told the story vividly, recalling how remarkably advanced the German technology was compared to that of the Americans in the early 1940s.

After his service, Steve retired from the C&O Railroad and was also part-owner of a fiberglass business for many years in Hampton, Virginia. The company produced a variety of products - from port-o-lets to picnic tables and even boats - reflecting Steve’s lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and hard work.

The person who inspired Steve most in his life was his grandmother on the farm. She taught him strong work ethics and the value of perseverance. They were extremely close, and he never forgot the lessons she instilled - doing things “the old way,” with care and pride.

Survivors include his wife and soulmate of over 30 years, Sarah Margaret Adams; his stepson, Robert Gates of Quinton, Virginia; and his dear sister, Barbara Adams Dinwiddie of Gloucester, Virginia.

He was predeceased by his parents, Stephen Scott Adams, Sr. and Mildred Seitz Adams; his son, Gary Lynn Adams; and his older brother, Charles Adams of Hampton, Virginia; and his younger brother, Roy Adams of Melbourne, Florida.

Steve was an honorable man who never met a stranger. He always had something to share and a story to tell. He analyzed everything he did - from growing tomatoes to perfecting his chicken’s laying habits. He forever loved to be on the go and never had a dull moment.

The highlight of his later years was traveling overseas with his sister-in-law, Martha Gates, on a long-dreamed-tour through Londaon, Paris, and Madrid, Spain. The most memorable moment of their journey wasn’t even part of the planned tour - discovering a five-story World War II museum, which became the true highlight of their travels.

A devout Free Will Baptist Christian, Steve was a proud member of Liberty Free Will Baptist Church in Ahoskie, North Carolina, for over 15 years. In June, he moved to Hanover, Virginia, to be closer to the McGuire MedicalCenter, where he went for doctor visits and treatments.

Steve will always be remembered for his golden heart, his wonderful tomatoes, and his vivid war stories.

A service honoring his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the Center Pavilion of the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia with Rev. Paul Ange officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Steve’s wish was that donations to, Harvest Child Care Ministry, 180 Harvest Home Drive, Duffield, Virginia 24244.

The family of Stephen Scott Adams, Jr. wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the prayers, love, and support shown during this time. Your kindness will always be remembered.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com