Deacon Thomas Charles Adams, Sr.

Thomas Charles Adams, Sr., was born to Sed Adams, Sr., and Elizabeth Adams in Crescent City, Florida on September 23, 1937. He was the firstborn of six siblings: Retha, Mary, Sed Jr., Vicki, and David. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was baptized at the New Jacob Chapel in Clermont, Florida. Thomas attended and graduated from Eustis Vocational High School, where he was a trumpeter in the marching band. It was at EVHS that the love story of Thomas and Irma Jean Furlow unfolded. After graduation, he matriculated to Florida A&M University and majored in music and was very instrumental as a member of the “Renowned Marching 100”. Thomas also pledged in the “Omega Psi Phi Fraternity”. Shortly after attending FAMU, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for three years. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E5. During this time while serving his country, on July 25, 1961, he was joined in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Irma Jean Furlow. They were married for 63 blissful years. To this union, they were blessed with a son whom they named Thomas Charles “Tommy” Adams, Jr. Over the years, seven grandchildren became their pride and joy. Not too long after being discharged from the Army, He and Irma migrated north to Bridgeport, Connecticut. There, he enrolled at the University of Bridgeport, while working “three jobs” to support his family. He also continued to pursue his musical interest by enrolling at Westport-Fairfield in the study of piano and organ. After attending the University of Bridgeport, he began his computer programming career at Remington Shavers in Bridgeport, Connecticut. While working at Remington Shavers, he was partially the inspiration for an electric razor that they coined the “black man’s razor”, specifically designed to prevent razor bumps. After working at Remington Shavers, he shifted his career to Pitney Bowes, as a Senior Programming Analyst, and from there, he retired. While in Bridgeport, they united with the East Baptist Tabernacle under the tutelage of Dr. Vernon S. Thompson. He began his service as a Trustee and was later ordained as a Deacon. He also served as Sunday School Teacher and was an active member in the Male Chorus. Thomas and Irma returned to his hometown of Clermont in 2001. Upon relocating, they became members of Gethsemane Baptist Church of Eustis under the tutelage of the Reverend Dr. William Hawkins, Jr. It was at Gethsemane; he was ordained as a Deacon and became the Chairman of the Deacon Ministry. He was dedicated and faithful, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher of the Men’s Class, a member of the Brotherhood Ministry, Male Chorus, and Pastor’s Support Ministry. He also Co-Chaired the Couples’ Ministry with his beloved wife, Irma. Deacon Adams was a very active supporter of the Bethel Baptist Association of Florida, Inc. He served for eight years as President of the Laymen’s Auxiliary. After his first “Annual Address” as president, he became known as “The Preaching Deacon”. He was very involved in the Congress of Christian Education as an instructor for many years. His service continued with the Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc., in the Laymen’s Auxiliary, where he served as president. He served faithfully, working to unite the men across the State of Florida. He would begin each session with one of his favorite scriptures, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity”. He was known statewide as the “Preaching Deacon”, and it afforded him the opportunity to speak at many events throughout Florida. He was indeed a great president, and the record shows he was “President Emeritus” in both, Bethel Baptist Association and the Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc., Laymen’s Auxiliaries. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. Deacon Adams was preceded in death by his parents, Sed and Elizabeth Adams, Sister, Mary Adams Church. And his beloved wife of 63 years, Irma Jean Furlow-Adams. Deacon Adams made his eternal transition on Monday, May 5, 2025. He leaves to cherish he memories as well as his legacy to his Son, Thomas Charles Adams, Jr. (Linda): Seven Grandchildren: Brandon C. Adams, Paul M. Adams, Mikaela E. Adams Bigelow (Byron), Wayman C. Adams, Hunter and Haley Mitchell Adams, and Jade A. Adams; Step-Grand, Alex Russo; Two Great-Grand-children: Sofia Turcios Rivera and Aria Lila Adams; Brothers: Sed Adams, Jr. (Sophronia), and David Adams; Sisters: Retha Mae Woolfolk and Vickie L. Berry; Brothers-in-law: Nathaniel “Sonny” Williams (Renita), James Furlow and Oscar Furlow (Sharin); Sisters-in-law, Andria Lynnie Williams, Valerie Williams, Daisy Furlow, and Oscar Furlow White, and Faye King (Eugene); Special Cousins: Cassandra Davis and Alice “Paulette” Hoskins; Numerous-plus Godchildren, and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Deacon Thomas Charles Adams, Sr.

September 23, 1937 - May 5, 2025