Joseph Adams Sr left us on April 29, 2025, at 90. Joseph was born on October 4, 1934, in St. George, SC, and his journey through life was marked by love, dedication, and profound impact on those around them.  Joseph is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Gladene Smith Adams; his parents, Leon and Evelina Adams; and two brothers and five sisters- Marion, Steve, Mable, Dorothy, Barbara, Annie, and Jeanette.

Joseph was reared in Winston Salem, NC, in the 14th St. community, where he attended 14th St School and graduated from Atkins High School class of 1954 as a four-sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball, and track). Joseph exhibited a passion for football, track, and baseball from a young age. He was a part of the history-making 1952 Basketball, 1953 Basketball, and 1954 Basketball and Football champion teams for the great Atkins High School.  Joseph had the opportunity to attend North Carolina A&T University; however, he elected to serve his country by enlisting in the US Army, where he served in the Korean War effort.

Joseph's professional journey began at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, where his talent and commitment quickly shone through. His intelligence and hard work allowed him to make history by becoming one of the first two African American machinists in the 1950s, a significant achievement during segregation. He remained a dedicated employee for over 32 years- a testament to his work ethic, before retiring in 1989.

Joseph was not just a professional but also a devoted family man. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, and friend. He married Gladene S. Adams, aka Buddy, in 1954 and reared three children together: Joseph Jr., Janice, and Fredrick. Joseph was known for his sense of humor, kind heart, and no-nonsense nature when dealing with business, always putting others before himself.

Joseph was deeply involved in the community, dedicating his time to coaching youth football and helping make the Winston-Salem Indians a powerhouse. He was a member of the Winston-Salem Elks Lodge and spent numerous hours attending the sporting events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and Buddy also spent hours manicuring their lawn, perfecting their garden, and sharing their harvest with family and neighbors.

Joseph's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew them. His life was a testament to hard work and determination, inspiring others to live with integrity. Joseph will be remembered for his sense of humor.  Joseph would tell you the most believable story, then chuckle and say, "I tell lies," and go into a story about how he got whippings as a child for doing so.  Joseph will be remembered for the skill of his hands.  He could fix anything broken and prepare delicious meals for anyone who needed a plate.

Joseph is survived by children Joseph (Kaye) Adams Jr, Janice A. Hairston, and Fredrick M. Adams, all of Winston Salem. He was the loving grandfather of Marissa, Michael, and Marcella Adams, Winston-Salem, NC, David (Nicole) Hairston of Charlotte, NC, and Michael and Joseph Brown of Winston-Salem, NC, and nine great-grandchildren, D'vonya, Makayla, Corey Jr, Kelis, Camar, Michael II, Jalen, Avery, and Cameron. He was the brother of Mildred Dendy and Theodore Weldon, both of Winston-Salem, NC, and Carolyn Jones of Columbia, SC. He also leaves to mourn the loss of his goddaughter, Marion Tyson, and daughter by choice, Cynthia C. Adams. He was also loved by a host nieces/great-nieces and nephews/ great-nephews, other family and friends, including William Griffin Sr, Harold Faulkner, Reginald and Betty Alexander, Shirley Blackwell, and Hilda Lambson, and all the children of Rosemary Drive and Northwoods Estates which he helped raise. His memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing them.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday May 8, 2025 in the chapel of Hooper Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00pm-1:00pm Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. His remains may be viewed Wednesday from 12pm-5pm at the funeral home.