David Ray Adams

David Ray Adams

September 30, 1930 – August 17, 2022 (age 91)

     David Ray Adams was born in Whitesburg, KY and was the sixth and last child of John and Edna Adams.  As a young boy he loved to fish, trap small game and hunt in the hills around his parent’s property.  He continued his love of fishing throughout his life. 

    David also developed a love of farming and watching things grow.  He attended Berea College, studying agriculture, before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951 where he became an aerial photographer.  David retired as a Master Sergeant after serving for 21 years in multiple posts around the globe and served a tour in Vietnam where he was decorated for helping to rescue a downed pilot.  He met his future wife, Utako Karaki, while in Japan and they were married in 1959.

     They built a home in Choctaw Beach where they raised their two daughters, Debora and Donna.  Dave was an avid gardener and could grow practically anything and was quick to share his bounty with friends and neighbors.  He was an active member of Choctaw Beach United Methodist Church putting in countless hours performing whatever work was required from replacing indoor flooring to clearing trees and grounds maintenance.   

    Dave is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, John and Herbert, his sisters, Hazel, Lucy and Minerva and his granddaughter Robin.  He is survived by his wife, Utako, his daughters, Debora and Donna (Gene Donnelly), his grandson, Brian, great grandchildren, Emmitt and Allison, and nieces and nephews.   

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, August 26, 2022 at Choctaw Beach United Methodist Church, 479 Live Oak St., Freeport, FL 32439 (Choctaw Beach).  Reception and visitation is at 12:00 noon, Celebration of Life at 1:00pm.

A graveside service will be held shortly after at Heritage Gardens, 2201 North Partin Drive, Niceville, FL 32578.

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