"The sun is in the western sky and it's setting fast." These words were spoken by Smith Adams, just weeks before he went home on Sunday afternoon, February 12, 2012. Nothing ever seemed to take him by surprise, not even death. He is healed now of years of infirmities that ravaged his body but couldn't touch his spirit.
Smith, 86, of 933 Hubert Taylor Road, Mountain City, TN was born on November 10, 1925 to George Willet and Bessie Eggers Adams in Meat Camp, NC.
Smith was an avid outdoorsman. He could be found on the banks of Roan Creek, in his little fishing boat on Watauga Lake, or "gensenging" in the mountains most times when he wasn't at work in his cabinet shop. Like his father before him, he was a skilled wood craftsman, and he left beautiful pieces of himself in the homes of family and friends over the years.
Smith was very proud of serving his country in the Army during World War II. He carried those experiences with him the rest of his life, but only recently spoke of them. He was truly a member of the greatest generation.
He is survived by his wife, Mamie Crowder Adams, of the home. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 13th. Also living on to celebrate his life are his daughters and their husbands, Elaine and Buck Kirby of Mountain City, Delores and Joseph Anderson of Castlewood, VA, and Angie and Gary Gambill of Mountain City; granddaughters, Cherie and Steve Osborne of Mountain City, Paula Kahill of West Jefferson, NC, Jenny Francis of Mountain City, and Brittany and Jake Dorman of Mountain City; grandsons, Buddy and Kelly Kirby of Mountain City, Chris Gambill of Johnson City, and Ryan Gambill of Mountain City; eight great-grandchildren, Elijah, Lily and Hannah Osborne, Laken and Kylie Francis, Brooklin Kahill, and Nathaniel and Carson Dorman; godson and his family, Chuck, Brenda, Will and Stephanie Slack of Fayetteville, NC; special nephew, Darrell Adams, Butler; brothers, Dwight and Ray Adams, Mountain City; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Smith was preceded in death by brothers, Charlie, Russell and Ulas Adams; sisters, Agnes Tulloch and Belle Cole; and half-brothers, George and Alfred Adams. His family is left with a rich legacy. The roots of their raising run deep.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 15th at Mountain City Funeral Home from 5 to 7 with funeral services following. His son-in-law, Rev. Gary Gambill, will officiate. Edna Miller and Judy Davis will be singing. Pallbearers will be Steve Osborne, Jake Dorman, Chris Gambill, Chuck Slack, Dennis Adams, Buddy Kirby and Chris Greer. Burial will be in the Rainbow Cemetery with military rites by the Johnson County Honor Guard on Thursday morning at 11 a.m.. At other times the family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, Angie Gambill, at 923 Hubert Taylor Road, Mountain City.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Johnson County Emergency Heating Fund for Seniors, care of Gwen Bell, 2626 Callalantee Drive, Mountain City, TN 37683.
"Rest well, Daddy. And leave a few fish in the River of Jordan for the rest of us to catch when we get there."


The family of Smith Adams has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.