John Franklin Adams

John Franklin Adams (Frank) slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday March 2, 2022 at a local hospital. He had a deep and abiding faith that continued to grow through the years. He loved to sing, and we who are left to grieve his passing are confident that he has taken his place in the baritone section of the heavenly choir.

Frank was born in Cuthbert, Georgia on July 12, 1936. At the age of 13 he left home to attend the Mount Berry School for Boys on the campus of Berry College. He remained at Berry for the next 8 years while working on many of the various work crews there to earn first his HS diploma (1954) and then his college degree in 1958. It was during his years at Berry that his love for music, drama and academics were fostered by key faculty members who remained dear to his heart well into his retirement years. Following his graduation in 1958 he began what would eventually become a 47 year career in education at the secondary level and college level. He earned his Master’s degree (Auburn University, 1967) and his Doctorate (Florida Atlantic University, 1983) He loved both English and American Literature and his life-long love of learning epitomized the Clerk, one of Chaucer’s Canterbury Pilgrims: “Gladly would he learn and gladly teach.” Following his retirement from Palm Beach State College he and his wife Kathy moved to Rome, Georgia where they have been actively involved with Alumni events at Berry.

Frank was pre-deceased by his parents, Felicia Adams Raybon, and John Franklin Adams Sr, and his brother Dennis Tyrone (Tony) Adams. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Kathryn Neason Adams, 3 daughters: Karen Adams Hodge (Chris), Kim Adams Ogorek (Greg) and Laura Adams Hernandez (Roger); 6 grandchildren: Anna Grace Hodge Botka (Kevin), Haddon Hodge (Susie), Darby and Piper Ogorek, and Gabriella and Daniel Hernandez. His siblings: Larry Adams (Louise), his sister-in-law Caroline Adams, Cecelia Gibbs, (Todd), James T (Pete) Raybon (Patsy), Claudia Tye (Pookie) and Paul Raybon.; 2 very special aunts Nadine Frazier and Jean Adams, his Neason family, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. His family would like to express their appreciation for the skill and compassionate care offered them by Dr. Charles Jackson and Dr. Cyrus Parsa, the entire surgical team, and Cardiology Navigator Mary Lindley RN.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, March 7 in the College Chapel on the campus of his beloved Berry. His family will receive friends at 10 AM followed by the service at 11:00 with Rev Chris Hodge officiating. A reception will follow in the Alumni Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring his love for giving back to Berry with a gift to the Frank and Kathryn Adams Endowed Scholarship here: https://berry.givingfuel.com/gift

Mail to Berry College Office of Advancement

P.O. Box 490069 Mount Berry, GA 30149

Daniels Funeral Home is assisting the family.