ADAMS, William Richard

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, January 05, 2011 William Richard Adams, 84, stepped into Heaven in the arms of Jesus on Thursday, Dec. 23 - just in time to celebrate Christmas in Heaven with his wife and many old friends and family. Those he leaves behind will miss him while they remain on earth, but are grateful that they can look forward to seeing him again. Bill was born to a Scottish father, Joe Adams, and his wife, Julia, in their home on Cottonwood Street in Claypool, Ariz. on Feb. 26, 1926. He attended George Washington Elementary in lower Miami and graduated from Miami High School in 1944. He then entered the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a radioman in the South Pacific. While in the service, he received the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon (Battle of Luzon) and World War II Victory Medal. After the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Davis, who was also born in Miami. They made their home there and worked for the Miami Copper company as they began raising their two daughters, Cindy and Nancy. During those years, he was active in the Miami Elks Club, serving on many benevolent committees, working his way through the chairs to become Exalted Ruler and traveling to regional and national competitions where he was very successful. He and Helen especially enjoyed the Elk’s dances and events. They rarely missed an opportunity to dress-up and go dancing with friends. Bill retired from Citi Service Company as accounting administrator after 43 years. He and Helen then spent three summers traveling in their motor home investigating each state of the nation. And they loved the White Mountains where they camped every year with their family - early on at Sheep’s Crossing and then later at Black River. He was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Bill and Helen were members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for 43 years where he served often as treasurer. He will be remembered fondly by many friends and family in the Globe/Miami area after living there for 84 years, developing strong bonds and friendships. Bill was a wonderful husband and father. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his two daughters, Cindy Vander Haar and Nancy Moore; his five grandchildren, Chrissy Bullock, David Vander Haar, Sarah Dimmick, Jason Vander Haar and Katie Moore; and his five great-grandchildren, Haily, Hunter, Jake, Hayden, and Ashley. Services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Miami, 750 W. Paxton, Country Club Manor, Miami, Ariz. 85539. “Photo viewing” at the church will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: The Skin Cancer Foundation, 149 Madison Ave, Suite 901, New York, N.Y., 100016. Assisting the family is Miles Funeral Services Miami Chapel, 309 W. Live Oak St., Miami, Arizona.