Benjamin Otis Adams
This exceptional man was born in Tazewell, TN in 1943 and left us with only our memories of him on June 24th. To say he’ll be missed is an understatement. We can’t think of anyone who knew him or met him who didn’t like him. He could fix anything with a motor, except on a few occasions where a hammer worked better. He loved westerns, especially with John Wayne. Elvis, M*A*S*H and Whoopi Goldberg being among his favorites too. He ate the same breakfast every day which included lots and lots and lots of bacon and maybe a large glass of OJ to wash it down. He could finish off a box of ice cream bars in 2 days and he loved Hershey chocolate, but not like he loved his family. We were absolutely his top priority! He was married for 54 years to the love of his life, Janet. Rumor has it they met over a bottle of ketchup at the Chevy plant.
He always said she was the best thing that ever happened to him and I know she felt the same. Then two daughters came along. As a father, he never failed to express his love for us. He was always available and supportive. It’s safe to say there is nothing he wouldn’t have done for us if we asked. Oh.. and he had a car full of tools and fluids for when we’d break down, which was a bonus! As a grampa and great grampa, he couldn’t have been prouder or loved those kids more. The smile on his face when they were around said it all. They were definitely his sunshine! **This from his oldest grandchild: How do I start writing about a man whom I loved dearly? I guess there is no better way than to share some memories that I have about him and I. One of my earliest memories that I have of him is actually something that he would do to my mom too, which was wrestle me to the ground and lay on me so that I couldn’t yell for help. Looking back now, not very funny and kind of dangerous but it is something that I will treasure forever. He taught me how to ride a riding lawnmower, build a snow fort and carve it out to make it have rooms. He showed me how to build a tree house with my best friend Johnny. I remember him taking me for a ride on a black scooter as a kid around the big block, and later taking me around the block on a big motorcycle. He is where my love for everything Ford came from, especially the Mustang. I remember spending time with just him and waiting on grandma to come home and saying “Here comes granny good-witch””. I may have only had him as what most people would call “normal” for 8 years, but they were some of the best years that I can remember. It hurts every day knowing that when I get to visit that he isn’t going to be there. I never thought that these days would come. In my eyes he was going to live forever and always be there whenever I came home. I remember when I returned from boot camp and showed him that I had polished my own dress shoes to a shine and how happy he seemed. That is something that I’ll never forget. I will miss him forever and always but will treasure these few memories that I have shared and a whole bank of memories that I still have to myself..
I love you Grandpa and I will see you again one day! Anthony**
In memory of this exceptional man we would love for everyone reading this to grab someone who means the world to you and go and eat some bacon..lots and lots of bacon..
Arrangements entrusted to Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave Temperance, MI. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com