Robert Gay Adams, Jr., USAF (Ret.) - Cremation Society of Virginia

Robert Gay Adams, Jr., USAF (Ret.)

February 24, 1938 - July 24, 2021

Virginia Beach ~ On July 24^th, 2021, Robert G. Adams, Jr., “Bob,” passed away at the age of 83. Bob was the oldest child of Lucille and Robert Sr., and was born February 24^th, 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona. His family later moved to Oakland, California, where Bob completed high school at Oakland Senior High. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Humboldt State University in California.

He had a thirty-five-year career as a forester, fire management specialist, and aviation safety supervisor with the United States Forest Service, which he followed with a 20-year career as an instructor at Flight Safety International, reluctantly retiring at the age of 80. He also served for 30 years in the United States Air Force Reserve and New Mexico Air National Guard as an Intelligence Officer, retiring from service as a Major in 1988. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and New Mexico Long Service Medal.

In 1960, Bob married the love of his life, Carmi (nee Wennerberg) Adams and together they raised their two children while relocating several times, from Silver City, New Mexico to Tucson, Arizona to Santa Fe, New Mexico to West Chester, Pennsylvania. With their family, and as a couple, Bob and Carmi traveled across the United States, to the Denmark, Netherlands, and UK homes of lifelong friends, and to the overseas homes of their active-duty military children.

Above all, Bob was a kind man, a dedicated father and grandfather, and a caring husband. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Kecia and her husband Garry and their two children Carly and Claire, his son Bob III (“Tres”) and his wife Regan and their two children Sophia and Joseph, and by his sister Judy, as well as numerous extended Adams and Curnutt family members and a host of friends all over the world. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carmi, his mother, Lucille (nee Curnutt), and father, Robert Sr.

A memorial service for Bob will be held Friday, July 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Geographic Society. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/funding-opportunities/

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Virginia Beach ~ On July 24th, 2021, Robert G. Adams, Jr., “Bob,” passed away at the age of 83. Bob was the oldest child of Lucille and Robert Sr., and was born February 24th, 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona. His family later moved to Oakland, California, where Bob completed high school at Oakland Senior High. He completed…

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Dear family, I met Bob @ Flight Safety and we both shared a military Air Nat’l Guard connection… closer than you can imagine… 1 of my UPT classmates ended up in the New Mexico Air Guard and was killed in a mid air accident.. I was in the MD ANG and Bob & I enjoyed swapping stories…I’d call Bob every 3-6 months and I had left messages recently with no response… We have lost a very gentle man in this crazy world… sorry I had not visited since he left DE.. thought and prayers with you ! Toby Frey 410-725-1781

I worked with Bob at FSI, took my first class as a new employee with Bob, an outstanding Instructor. Years later as the day would end, Bob and I would reminisce about the Forest Service. I flew lead aircraft in Pennsylvania Fire Season many years ago so we had many a discussion together. I always considered the Western area of the country the Pros and we were the amateurs, when I told that to Bob he laughed and said I was right and I laughed all the way home.

Kecia & family, I had the opportunity to meet Bob before the pandemic. He was such a gracious host & quite the gentleman. A bright and shining star with lots of stories to share. Please accept my condolences for for loss. Sandy Kinchen

I was only 11 years old when I met Bob for the first time. He was invited at my parents home in Tilburg (The Netherlands) when he had a military exercise with my dad's squadron in the Netherlands. Of course I was impressed to meet my 'first American'. I remember a very warm man patient enough to teach me my first English words and later winning from me with Othello that he bought for my brother and me. Enthusiastic and interesting in everything. Our families kept in contact, sending presents with Xmas (yes I remember all about Smokey Bear!) and visiting us many times, either alone during exercises and later with his whole family. We showed them the highlights of the Netherlands and they showed my parents and later me, travelling alone the the States from my first earned money, the US. Their house was our house and visa versa. The contact became less because of age but it remained, especially around Xmas. I'm sad you passed away Bob, but happy I still have great contacts with Tres & Regan, Sophia and Joe here in Europe. And appreciated when Kecia helped me as English editor during my period as blog writer. Again a very warm, lovely person passed away but memories will stay and matter. Rest in peace dear Bob. My sincere condolences ! x

Kecia, I pray for peace and comfort of the entire family. I will say, what a blessing y'all have had with so many years together. Rejoice in the many memories I am sure y'all share. God bless, Pat

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Met Bob for the first time in 1977 when he was in The Netherlands for an exercise with my airforce squadron. Since then he and our families met several times in the USA and in The Netherlands. We will remember Bob as a very friendly man and an ideal colleague to work with. Willem and Ellie Logt The Netherlands

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.