Charlie was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on August 7, 1948 to loving parents – Acy and Rachel Adams. When Charlie spoke of his childhood, he’d often talk about raising beagles, hunting with his family, his mother’s amazing desserts, and socializing with his friends at school. Charlie was an extroverted and colorful person who always loved to joke with people, go to dances, drive vintage cars, and experience life to its fullest. In high school, he played baseball and participated in the Boy Scout program. Charlie graduated from E. C. Glass High School in the spring of 1967.
Charlie went on to attend Central Virginia Community College and graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, which included a double major in Management. After working for many years on the east coast, he decided to take a new career path and move to Phoenix, Arizona to pursue teaching. He expanded his education by receiving two master degrees at the University of Phoenix: Master of Art in Education and Master in Business Administration.
While teaching at Mesa Community College, Charlie met and married the love of his life, Gladys Quiroz. They were married on June 24, 1987 and would remain true to one another for over 35 years. Charlie loved Gladys very much. Even after decades of marriage, Charlie still referred to her as his “baby” and enjoyed just sitting and talking with her while eating ice cream. Charlie and Gladys decided to put down roots in Arizona and raised 3 children- Charles, Carla, and Catherine.
For the majority of his career, Charlie enjoyed much success while working as an adjunct professor at Mesa Community College and as a consultant in organizational culture. He impacted the lives of many professionally and personally with his expertise, knowledge, and caring nature. Charlie also reinvented himself professionally by becoming a writer, and in his life authored three managements books embracing topics of organizational culture, residential contracting, and divine guidance.
Charlie was a man of faith in word and deed. He placed Jesus Christ as his prime example. He bore his witness of the Savior often, as evidenced by his worn-out Bible, his weekly devotionals, his poetic written-out prayers at holiday family gatherings, and his constant invitations to come unto the Savior. He often showed charity towards others by small acts of service, being readily available at anyone’s call for help, and easily gave of his time and wisdom for those who needed guidance and advice. His greatest wish for everyone was for them to find peace and joy in having a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ.
As a person who seemed to know a little bit about everything, Charlie loved to share what he knew and never failed to enjoy the best qualities of life. He was an animated and enthusiastic story teller and was always the life of the party. He also had a passion for playing chess, spending time with his children and grandchildren, being the first to remember birthdays, and never failed to insert a good dad joke whenever possible. He was passionate about being mathematically and financially adept, and found joy in helping others succeed. He enjoyed music, music history and culture, reading western fiction books, and watching western movies.
Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather left a profound mark on the world and in our hearts, where we will always keep and cherish his memory. Charles Lewis Adams will be deeply missed by many. Although we will be separated for a time, we are comforted with the knowledge that he will “save our seat” in the life to come and wish him the best in his newfound peace and comfort with his Savior.
Charlie was preceded in death by his identical twin brother James Corbin Adams, and is survived by his wife (Gladys Adams), by his children and their spouses (Charles and Rebecca, Carla and Andrew, and Catherine), by his sister (Celia Farinholt), and most importantly his grandchildren (Leslie, Mya, C.J., Christian, Logan, Elaine, and Luke).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Adams family.
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