SHINNSTON — Willis S. “Scotty” Adams, 87, of Clarksburg passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013, at his residence.
He was born July 1, 1925, in Gilmer County, WV. Scotty was one of 14 children born to Ezra and Lessie Lee (Keister) Adams.
At an early age, Scott left West Virginia to finish school and reside with his Aunt Wilma and Uncle John Parkhurst in Lubbock, Texas.
Upon graduating from Phillips Academy in Lubbock, Scotty immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Stationed in Great Britain, Scotty flew bombing missions over Europe during World War II, earning the moniker “Lucky” from his crew mates. He also earned numerous awards and medals, among which he most appreciated his Distinguished Flying Cross with an oak leaf cluster, his Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters and his Air Medal.
After returning stateside after WWII, Scott graduated from Clarksburg Business College. Immediately re-enlisting, he went on to Officers Candidate School in Waco, Texas, and embarked on his lifelong passion — a 27-year career in the United States Air Force.
On September 21, 1946, Scott married Mary Ann Tomlanovich, who survives him.
He was a loving and generous husband, father and grandfather. Scott is survived by two daughters, Diana Lynn and her husband Clark Critchfield of Clarksburg and Deborah Ann and her husband David Harbert of Shinnston, with whom Mr. and Mrs. Adams have made their home for this past year; two sons, Willis S. Adams Jr. of Forest Falls, California, and Joseph Michael Adams and his wife Beth (Wagner) of Taylor County.
Scotty has eight grandchildren, Laura Hurley Kimble, Jason J. Hurley, Matt Harbert, Sally Ann Holt, Christy Jo Harbert, Cory M. Adams, Jeremy J. Adams and Kyle W. Adams; and eight great-grandchildren, Cassandra and Kaleb Hurley, Savannah, Zak and Lilah Kimble, Zoe and Parker Holt, and Emma Greynolds.
His surviving siblings are Margaret Patton of Harrisville, Linda Hatfield of Parkersburg, Maxine Elder of Williamstown, Ace (wife, Wanda) Adams of Weston, Wade (wife, Jean) Adams of Harrisville, and Adrian (wife, Anita) Adams of Parkersburg.
Scotty was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.
A man who much loved this country and his family, Scotty Adams is dearly loved by all who survive him and will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be held at the Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston, on Saturday, May 4, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Adam Boyd officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amedisys Hospice at 67 Casino Dr., Suite 102, Anmoore, WV 26323.
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