Henry Adams (1919-2012) - Many folks come and go at the Smyth County Jam and some leave a lasting impression of good will. Henry Adams is one of those who fit that description. Henry was born in Konnarock, Virginia some ninety-two years ago. He did not stay long in Konnarock; leaving home at sixteen to make his way on his own power. He became a successful man in the construction business; a superintendant of construction in Washington, DC and Maryland Virginia and all over the area. When he was a boy he was a member of a small band. He played banjo at that time. Mr. Henry, (as we know him,) says he likes all sorts of country music and tries to attend many venues in this area. He has been married for sixty-four years and has two children. Mr. Adams says he likes every one, has no hate in his heart. What an admirable trait for a thoroughly wonderful person! Unless he is having health issues we expect to see Mr. Adams wheeling through the door every Monday night. About ten years ago he moved back to Konnarock and now lives there permanently. We are happy to have such a devoted fan at the jam.
In Memorandum
Henry D. Adams KONNAROCK, Va. Henry D. Adams, age 93, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at his residence. He was a native of Konnarock and had lived in Fairfax, Va. for 50 years pri or to moving back to Konnarock in February 2001. He was a son of the late Kenny and Fannie Jane Adams. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II in the CBI Theater, in China, Burma, India, and also in Egypt. During his time in service, he helped with the construction of the Burma Road and also the Bridge at River Kwae. He later was a construction supervisor with L.F. Jennings, Inc. Mr. Adams was a member of the American Legion, the Konnarock/Laurel Valley Community Association, and a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Konnarock. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mabel Stamper Adams; one son, Stephen Adams of Fredericksburg, Va.; one daughter, Delores Watchman and her husband, Ed, of Mechanicsville, Md; five grandsons, Shane Adams, Thomas Adams, Devon Adams, Joe Reed and Pete Reed; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Thelma Stamper and Anna Sexton both of Sparta, N.C.; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jimmy Hoosier, Julia Hays, Ken Jennings and Primo Coe. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012, in the Riverview Chapel at Garrett Funeral Home with Pastor Candy O'Meara officiating. The committal service and interment will follow at Laurel Valley Cemetery in Konnarock with the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and Virginia National Guard Honor Guard conducting military graveside rites. Pallbearers will be selected from his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 41466 Konnarock Road, Damascus, VA 24236 or to , 230 Charwood Dr., Abingdon, VA 24210. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, at Garrett Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family and a video memorial tribute may be viewed by visiting www.garrettfuneralhome.com Mr. Adams and his family are in the care of Garrett Funeral Home, 203 N. Shady Ave., Damascus, VA 24236, 276-475-3631. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on August 14, 2012
