Jack Columbus Adams

Mr. Jack Columbus Adams, 87, of East Bend, passed away on December 10, 2025. Jack was born in Yadkin County, October 1, 1938, to the late Sherrill "Shirl" Hampton and Blanche Caudle Adams. Jack was the 9th born of 12 children sharing a birthday with his sister Peggy. He grew up in what today is known as Fall Creek community. Jack graduated from Boonville High School and later joined military service. He was stationed at Fort Niagara, New York from 1958 – 1961 a member of the 1st Army 2nd Missile Battalion. Jack worked as a mechanic and instructor for R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for 30 plus years before retiring. He soon returned to the workforce as a contractor for Brown & Williamson in Macon, Georgia. Throughout his working career he farmed with his brother Dave and managed cattle on the family homestead and surrounding property acquired through the years. Jack was an active member of East Bend Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years with 17 of those years as assistant chief. He was a member of East Bend United Methodist Church and held various roles, most recently as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. When the weather was good throughout the years, you would find him at a tractor pull where he volunteered numerous hours to support fund raising events for multiple charities. Jack achieved his final “full pull” in a fulfilled life.

For many years Jack, one or more of his brothers and other locals would take a week’s vacation and travel to Iowa for some bird hunting. Of course, some years were better than others. In later years the trips evolved to visiting with family and friends met along the way and tractor shopping. East Bend was important to Jack. He enjoyed the community whether thru the God and Country Celebrations, Small Town Christmas, various church Chicken Stews or other events seeing people and catching up. For many years he and his wife hosted an ice cream social the evening of the God and Country celebration that ended with a great view for the fireworks finale. In addition to farming, hunting, and all the other activities, Jack also enjoyed gardening and creating unique welded sculptures. Many neighbors donated old tools, bicycle parts, horseshoes, and numerous other items which creatively became individual sculptures. Local churches and other organizations in the area were gifted with these pieces to raffle or auction for fund-raising efforts. Checking in with neighbors and getting the latest news was part of Jack’s routine. Often, he was seen sitting outside Speedway with a few local men, the old bank building, or the big table at Mount Olympus. Imagine the stories told! He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by his sisters, Goldie Hamby, Pernell Hobson and Helen Foster; his brothers Harold Adams, Howard “Sam” Adams, Bobby “Mutt” Adams, David “Dave” Adams and Troy Adams. Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years Anne Hupp Adams, daughters and sons-in-law Amanda (Brad) Ratledge and Susanne (Scott) Grady, grandson James “Tyler” (Kim) Ratledge and three great grandchildren Annabell, Harper and James “Reece” Ratledge; His sister Peggy (Ray) Lambert, and brothers Sherrill “Ross” (Jean) Adams and Michael “Mike” Adams.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 at 2:00pm at Gentry Family Funeral Service, 428 E. Main Street, East Bend. Rev. Arnold Gosnel, Rev. Andy Lambert, and Rev. Bruce Updyke will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00pm – 2:00pm. Graveside service and burial to follow the memorial at East Bend Friends Cemetery with Full Military Honors by Yadkin VFW Post #10346. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to: American Legion Charities, P O Box 591, East Bend, NC 27018; East Bend United Methodist Church, P O Box 117, East Bend, NC 27018; or donor’s preference. Additionally, the family asks everyone to take time to share a story and cherish moments with family and friends while continuing to build connections as a community. Gentry Family Funeral Service of East Bend is serving the Adams family.