Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Alexander Adams Obituary
ALEXANDER L., 76
Ocala - Mr. Alexander Leroy Adams was born October 21, 1934 to the late Alexander and Louise Adams in Akron, OH. Mr. Adams graduated from Garfield High School and the University of Akron where he earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in Education Administration. He was a loving husband and father, a master teacher, administrator, coach and student/athlete. He was a true African American trailblazer, being first in many initiatives during an era of civil and political unrest and defacto segregation. His professional career included the Akron Public Schools and the University of Akron (UA) where he retired in 1990 as a Professor Emeritus. Awards included UA Hall of Fame, Distinguished Education Alumni Award and retiring his basketball jersey. Mr. Adams died July 22, 2011 at home leaving to cherish his precious memory a loving wife, Sheila Adams, Ocala, FL; a son, Michael Adams; four daughters, Minister Deborah Parham, Athena Littlepage (Fred), Valerie Adams, and Tracey Adams-Smith; stepchildren, Derek Wilson, (Danielle), Brian Wilson, and Ariana Robinson (Tony); his former wife, Willie Dean Adams; 16 grandchildren, three great-grand children, three half sisters, Emma, Rose, and Mary Adams; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, church family, and friends. Memorial services for Mr. Adams will be held at 11:00 a.m. July 30, 2011 at New Covenant M.B. Church, 606 SW Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34475, Rev. Stanley Jacobs, Pastor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in his honor to New Covenant Youth Ministry. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Brown Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LLC, 706 SW Martin Luther King Ave., Ocala, Fl 34471.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alexander Adams
Michael Fischer
February 13, 2021
Coach Adams was a role model for me at Firestone High School. He was my track and cross country coach during my formative years. I remember receiving a call in Columbus after winning the Big Ten Championship from Coach Adams saying "I knew you could do it Fish". We spent many hours talking about life during trips to championship meets. He was a great man. I owe him a lot.
February 5, 2012
Coach Adams exemplified leadership and integrity . It was a distinct honor to have known him and be coached by him .
Dean Smallwood
Tim Norris
August 30, 2011
Alex Adams changed my whole view of life and of what matters in our dealings with each other. He was the first black person I had ever met, and I remember in our Firestone High summer history class how he drew the outline of a ship in white chalk on the blackboard and dotted the hold with tiny shapes. The outline was, he said, a slave ship, and the dots were human beings. He taught me that real history was not a set of concepts and labels, any more than a human being is. History is human experience, individual lives. Lives that were lived — that ARE being lived. In showing us himself, Mr. Adams invited us in.
Bill Voss
August 3, 2011
Coach was great man. He was my track coach at Firestone High School. I am truly sorry I did not get a chance to talk with him when I became an adult so that he would know what an influence he had on my life. I owe him a lot, and he probably never knew that. -Bill Voss, FHS Class of 1965, the First Grads
Teresa E. Peake
August 1, 2011
To Valerie and the entire family. With all of Mr. Adams' achievements throughout his legendary life, one of his greatest accompishments was "Love" for family and friends. May God bless and keep you all, during your time of need.
August 1, 2011
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family of this great man Alex Adams. A true leader in every respect! I first met "Coach" Adams in 1966 at Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio. I had him for history and he was our JV basketball coach. The following year he was promoted to head basketball coach. That year I was fortunate to be named captain of the team. I became very close to him. He was my mentor....let alone my coach. Many lessons learned about life and the struggles that one must overcome in this world of ours. He prepared me for what I was about to encounter. If it was not for Coach I would have not received a basketball scholarship and college degree. When I look back at this mans personal and professional acheivements and the many "firsts" in such a difficult time in history I continue to be truly amazed. Coach Alex Adams has left this world a much better place to live than what it was before. He will be sadly missed by all. I will always remember you and cherish the memories. Your friend, Jimmy Kusnyer FHS Class'67, University of Akron Class of '71 and '72. See you soon...
Stewart Snell
August 1, 2011
My sympathies for your loss. Coach Adams made a strong impression on me as a young cross country runner for Firestone High School back in the 1960's. He was a patient and encouraging role model not only in athletics but also in academics and life in general. He will be greatly missed
Stewart Snell
July 31, 2011
My deepest condolences go out to you and your family, Mrs. Adams. I will truly miss seeing Mr. Adams' smiling face at the bank. God bless you and your loved ones. Marsha Oxford
July 30, 2011
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your love one. Our prayers are with you Sheila and family.
The Bennetts
Joseph, Georgia,
Jaitai, and Jordan
July 29, 2011
I had Alex Adams for a history teacher at Firestone High School in 1968-69. I was also the "star" basketball player's girlfriend at that time, and I have a lot of great memories of the games Ernie played in and Alex coached. I even remember one night, after the first game of the season, going back to his house to watch the game film and helping fry chicken with his wife for the whole team. He was a great man, and even though I haven't seen him for many years, I think about him often. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Molly Jetter Cross
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Alexander Adams's name
Memorial Events
for Alexander Adams
How to support Alexander's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Alexander Adams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
