William Calhoun Adams

Information for Bill's Obituary It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William (Bill) Calhoun Adams, age 87. He was born October 1, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia, and was the first son of Isaac Columbus Adams and Opal Swick Adams. He passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025, in Macon, Georgia. Bill was a member of the First Methodist Church in Dalton, later attending Holly Hill Church in Conyers.

Bill grew up in Dalton, Georgia and graduated from Dalton High School. He attended and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in physics. He taught high school math in Atlanta, Georgia, and physics at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. He later moved to Stone Mountain and Conyers Georgia where he founded Atlanta Cutlery and Museum Replicas. He served as president of the Antique Bowie Knife Association and helped found the Military Equipment and Weapons Collectors Association. He was inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame in 1995 for exceptional contributions to the world of knives. He also helped found as well as chair the Cutlery Collectors Legislative Committee. Bill was a gifted author and collaborated on writing Sheffield Exhibition Knives, a book display of the world's finest knives, and the Antique Bowie Knife Book, a standard reference for serious Bowie enthusiasts.

Bill was an enthusiastic storyteller and world traveler, his business often taking him to England, Ireland, Africa, India, and parts of Central and South America. He enjoyed telling stories about his travels and experiences, fishing and hunting, and especially big game hunting in Africa. He retired to Roberta, Georgia to live along the Flint River, where he made a quiet, peaceful, and happy life.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Bruce Adams of Dalton, and his nephew Michael Stephen Adams. He is survived by his sister-in-law Dee Anne Adams, and his nephew David A. Adams and wife Cheryl, and dear friend and travel partner Elaine Barnes. The family wishes to express great gratitude to Bill's Roberta, GA, friends, especially Charles and Kate Rice who cared for and treated him like family and always showed love and concern.

A private family service to honor Bill will be scheduled at a later time.

McLeighton Funeral Service of Roberta is in charge of arrangements