Anthony "Tony" Floyd Adams

Following a private burial service, a celebration of life service for Anthony “Tony” Adams, 73, of Tyler, is scheduled for 10:00 AM., Saturday, October 31, 2015 at West Erwin Church of Christ, Tyler, with Dr. Jay Lockhart and Don Crawford officiating under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. This service is open to everyone who would like to attend. Visitation in the foyer of the Church will follow the celebration of life service. Mr. Adams passed from this life on Saturday, October 24, 2015, in his home with his wife Mary at his side. He was born May 23, 1942 in Alice, Texas to Floyd William and Leta Maxine Erwin Adams. He was a graduate of Gaston High School, Kilgore College and East Texas State University in Commerce. He was a member of Glenwood Church of Christ for 15 years and West Erwin Church of Christ for 35 years. Also, he contributed to the building fund at Whitehouse Church of Christ where he attended his last church service before his death. He taught woodworking at Kilgore High School, demonstrating his own furniture building techniques as examples for his students. Also he worked as a draftsman at Howe-Baker, and with that experience, returned to his life’s calling-teaching. He spent 44 of his 49 years teaching drafting-engineering graphics and design at Chapel Hill High School where he was currently employed. Under his leadership, his students won numerous awards that lead to fifteen State Championships and five National Championships in drafting, especially in bridge and architectural design. Also, he was honored as the top teacher in the State of Texas, followed by being awarded the top drafting program in the State. However when asked how he wanted to be remembered, he always answered, “As a Christian, Christ died for me, and that is the greatest honor and gift anyone could ever receive.” He lived what he believed and daily preached his own funeral through his exemplary life. Survivors include his wife of over 50 years, Mary B. Wright Adams; daughter, Abby Adams; son, Mark Adams, all of Tyler; and two sisters, Tommie and husband Roy Vinson and Linda and husband Rickey Chapman all of Henderson, Texas. Also, he is survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Floyd and Maxine Adams, and brother, Gene Adams. Pallbearers are Mark Adams, James Surber, Stan Mallory, Frank Debenport, Charles Payne and Lamond Deen. Honorary pallbearers are Roland Lane and Dewayne Bethea. Mr. Adams wanted to express a special appreciation for his caring doctors; Dr. Thomas Buzbee and his professional staff at TIMA in Tyler; Drs. Patel, Thomas, John and Olson at Clements of UT Southwestern in Dallas. Tony also wanted to thank the hard-working nurses who cared for him on floor 12 at Clements. Bless each one of you. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler 75701, www.hospiceofeasttexas.org. West Erwin Church of Christ, 420 W. Erwin, Tyler, 75702 or Whitehouse Church of Christ, P O Box 183, Whitehouse, 75791.

Anthony "Tony" Floyd Adams

May 23, 1942 - October 24, 2015