Mr. Billy Ray Adams

Billy Ray “Rufus” Adams, age 77, of Ashland, Virginia departed this life on Friday, July 12, 2024. He served in the Army National Guard Reserves as a young adult and later retired as a superintendent from A.D. Whittaker Construction where he worked for 25 years. Billy was an avid outdoorsmen who enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of the Charity Hill Hunt Club since 1988. He is survived by his devoted life partner, Rosa DiGiacomo, of 32 years and her children Lena (Brent) Robinson, Brent (Stacey) DiGiacomo, Bryan (Beckah) DiGiacomo and Kimberly (Joe) Viens; siblings Dill Adams, Jerry Adams and Lilie Childress and devoted nephew, Chuck Adams. Papa Billy, as he was best known, leaves behind 13 grandchildren he adored in Nathan DiGiacomo, Walker Robinson, Kade Robinson, Mason DiGiacomo, Brody Fulmer, Bentley Fulmer, Blair Robinson, Luke DiGiacomo, Cole DiGiacomo, Hailey Viens, Will DiGiacomo, Parker Viens and Alyssa Viens. He was preceded in death by his parents Emmett and Ellen Adams and siblings Roger Adams, Scott Adams, Emmett Adams Jr., Jayne Gibson and Shirley McKenzie. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 18, and a memorial service will be held on Friday, July 19, at 11:00 am at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to support cancer research at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center or Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation.