Dr. William Patrick Adams, age 79, passed away on April 16, 2024 from Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on November 24th, 1944 in Louisville, KY to parents, Dan Rogers and Annie Laurie Adams. Lovingly known as Pat to friends and family or Popeye to his grandchildren.
Pat is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mrs. Colleen Adams; children, Catherine Adams, Emily Mowery (David), Ryan Adams (Kara); grandchildren, Aidan Mowery, Patrick and Emma Gallagher, Jake Mowery (Erin), Grafton Flock (Hannah), Walker and Avery Adams; sisters, Ann, Rose (Louis), Beverly (Mike), Betsy; sister-in-law, Ann Dugan.
After completing his undergraduate degree from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY where he met Colleen, Pat graduated from the University of Louisville Medical School. Pat believed in being a lifelong learner, and returned to academia, earning his Executive MBA from Kennesaw State University in 1999. He instilled his love for learning in both his children and grandchildren.
Pat served in the US Navy as a physician while stationed in Japan. Also, in service to our country, Dr. Adams was the on-call physician for President Ford during a presidential visit to Japan.
Moving to Rome, GA in 1976, he spent his career as a Gastroenterologist, working at Rome Internal Medicine and opening Rome GI in 1985. He served on multiple committees with Floyd Medical Center, including the Ethics Committee. He loved his patients and answered their needs so willingly.
He loved traveling with his wife Colleen, trekking on Mt. Fuji in Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He loved snow skiing and scuba diving, enjoying God’s amazing majesty. Pat had an affinity for joke telling and could garner a laugh wherever he went. He had a love of antique cars and many Romans may recall seeing his 1976 green BMW 2002 jetting between the hospitals, St. Mary’s Church, and Old Summerville Road, wearing his ever-present bow tie.
He was very involved in the Rome community through fundraising for both the United Way and the American Red Cross. In his retirement, he continued to devote his time and talents to patients at the Free Clinic. Pat was an active member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he and his family have been parishioners since moving to Rome, GA. If you asked Pat what he wished for above all, he would often say, “Peace in the Valley.” Through living his faith and serving his Lord, we believe he has now found it.
A Rosary service will be conducted on April 25, 2024 at five thirty in the evening at Daniels Funeral Home. Friends and family are cordially invited to a visitation immediately following the Rosary until eight o'clock in the evening at Daniels Funeral Home.
A Funeral Mass will be conducted on April 26, 2024 at ten thirty in the morning at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dr. Pat Adams’ name to St. Mary’s School, The Spires Scholarship at Berry College, or Haven Health.
Specials thanks to the Spires memory care staff and Heyman Hospice.
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