Fred was a husband, father, friend, businessman, sportsman, athlete, Eagle Scout and Texas Ex.
He was born at the old Seton Infirmary Jan. 13, 1926. His parents were Frederick Ward Adams Sr., originally of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Mattie Gandy Adams of Buda, Texas.
Fred graduated from Austin High School and the University of Texas. He received an Honorable discharge after serving in the Navy, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and aboard the Battleship U.S.S. Missouri.
In 1951 he met Lorraine Whitman of Fort Worth at Hamilton Pool. After their marriage in 1954, they went West to seek adventure and romance. They restored an old sailboat, named it the Vim and lived on it for three years. They sailed it up and down the Pacific Coast including a trip through the Panama Canal.
Fred and Lorraine were married for 59 years and they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 4th, 2014.
Survivors include Lorraine Adams, their sons Alvin & Mark Adams and Fred's younger brother, Lawrence Adams. He was preceded in death by his first son, Fred Adams III.
Fred's interests were wide ranging. Besides the aforementioned sailing, he enjoyed life as a Texas Exes Life Member and friends said he bled orange. He also enjoyed gardening, music and he even began his family life in Sunset Valley, once serving as mayor.
But his two major interests were scouting and athletics. Fred was most proud of receiving a "Special Award and Recognition" from the Waterloo Track and Field Club presented by Ed Jones in 2008. The award recognized Fred's accomplishments, participation in and promotion of the physical lifestyle, including:
* Past President of YMCA Austin
* Founding member of Austin Runners Club
* Founding member of Waterloo Track and Field Club
* Completed the Galveston and Whiterock Marathons
* Ran 6:09 Mile at age 55 at Aqua Festival Mile Run in Memorial Stadium
* Achieved All American Status in Hammer and Weight Throws
Fred was devoted to the Scouting life style. As a member of Troop 20, he became an Eagle Scout and forged lifetime friendships with his fellow scouts. For years they have met for lunch on the first Monday of every month at Lubys on Steck. Fred abided by the Scout Oath and lived the Scout Law. He was kind and friendly to all, and saw the positive in everything and everyone. He passed on with dignity and on his own terms.
A non-traditional Celebration of the life of Frederick Ward Adams Jr. will be held Saturday June 7th 2014, at 3:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd, Austin TX, 78705, 512-452-8811
All are welcome to come and share their memories. Informal Attire.
"Come Early, Wear Orange, Be Loud and Stay Late"
In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Fred's name may be sent to: Waterloo Track and Field Club,
c/o Marion Coffee, 4112 Burnet Rd, Austin TX 78756
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