Richard E. Adams, Sr.

Richard Ellwood Adams, Sr. was born March 1, 1940, and was a native of Richmond, Virginia. He was called home to rest with his Eternal Father on Saturday, October 18, 2025. He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Melissa Berkley Adams, grandmother Inez Burton, father Richard Adams and mother Lelia Adams.

Richard accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and became a member of the First African Baptist Church in Northside Richmond. Richard was raised by his great-grandmother, Melissa Berkley Adams, who loved and adored him. Through her example, Richard learned the importance of faith, kindness, discipline, hard work, commitment and love. These are the values that guided him throughout his entire life.

Richard attended Richmond Public Schools and graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School. After graduation, he worked several jobs, including High's Ice Cream and Haverty's Furniture, before beginning his long career with the Commonwealth of Virginia. He served as a Maintenance Electrician with the Department of General Services and also worked as a sound technician with the General Assembly. In addition, he served in the Governor's Mansion in hospitality and had the honor of serving personally with Governor Douglas L. Wilder during his administration.

Richard had an impeccable fashion sense and natural affection for style.He loved to coordinate his suits, jewelry, glasses, shoes, socks and of course his hats with each and every outfit.Always sharply dressed in style and grace, he was one of the best dressed men in the City of Richmond. Richard was also a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers Fan for over 70 years, and his favorite colors were, "Black, Yellow and White." He watched their games faithfully and understood the importance of getting the "W!" Richard was very passionate about the Steelers and if there were ever a question about the greatness of his team, he would show his "six" fingers.

Richard was ordained as a Diaconate by the late Reverend Dr. Kenneth E. Dennis, Sr., at Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. With a true servant's heart, he faithfully fulfilled his duties in ministry. Later in life, Richard rededicated himself to Christ and was baptized by Bishop John L. Harris, Sr. of Crusade for Christ Christian Church Ministries. In 2023, Richard joined Blessed Hope Baptist Church, where Bishop MJ Jefferson set him apart as an Honorary Diaconate.

One of Richard's first loves was sharing God's Word through song. He began singing as a young boy, and one of his last songs he sang was "Tomorrow" by The Winans. Throughout his life, he sang tenor with several choirs and groups, including The Untouchables, the Male Choir of Crusade for Christ Christian Church Ministries, and the renowned Anointed Disciples. The original members of the Anointed Disciples included all family, Henry McLauren, Irvin Powell, Roosevelt Powell, and Richard Adams. Richard was the last surviving member of the original group.

Richard was a faithful servant of God and a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 24 years, Isabelle V. Adams; children, Richard I. Adams, Jr. (Rose), Andrew Carter (DeLores), Annette Gill (Sharon) and Sandra Carter; grandchildren, Evan Pierre Hunt, Mario Harris, Adrian Gill, Kent Slade, Jr., Richanda Adams, Shadrea James (Andrew), Jessica Carter, Shandrea Sydnor, Fayth Hood (Douglas), Jasmine Carter, Rikki Carter, Raven Carter, Asia Carter, Breanna Allen (Malik), Cashmeir Carter; great-grandchildren, Kharhiem Taylor, Jo Cere, Noah Brooks Harris, Joel Sydnor, Zaire Carter, Adrian Gill, Adin Gill, Antony Taylor, Moses Allen, Shanda Adams, Sklar Evan-Hunt, Sha Yonna Mahone, Jordyn Harris, Alexsandria Sydnor, Chelyse Sydnor, Zaireonna Carter, Adianna Gill, Avianna Slade and Lola Hood.

He is also survived by his bonus son, Wayne Woodson; bonus grandson, Dwayne Jackson; goddaughter, Dr. Loretta H. Dennis; beloved four-legged companion, Love Adams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5004 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Blessed Hope Baptist Church, 2311 Ford Avenue, Richmond, VA.

Interment will follow the service at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Services of comfort are being provided by Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5004 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.