Henry L. “Hank” Adams

Published 4:22 pm Thursday, February 27, 2025

Henry L. “Hank” Adams, 94, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, died peacefully at Fellowship Home at Cordelia Manor on February 23, 2025, in Cordele. Henry was born on September 27, 1930, in Manitou, OK. A 1952 graduate of Oklahoma A&M, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Army and obtained the rank of Lt. Colonel where he served his country with distinction for twenty two years on active duty with one tours of the Vietnam War. Colonel Adam’s stateside tours included Fort Hood (Killeen, Texas), Fort Benning (Columbus, Georgia), Ft. Leavenworth (Kansas), Oak Ridge Military Academy (Karnersville, NC) and overseas duties in Japan, Korea, and Turkey. As part of this loyal service, Lt. Col. Adams was awarded numerous combat, commendations and service medals throughout his distinguished military career such as the: National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Infantry School Instructor medals, the Chemical Defense School courses and Marksmanship medals at Ft. Perry, Ohio and also Small Arms Instructor, Vietnam Mountain Training School course and years of Infantry School Training Course Instructor. Upon retirement from active duty in 1973 at Fort Hood, Texas, Lt.Col. Adams was most proud that he established an award winning Army JROTC program at North Brunswick High School in Leland, NC, and served as Senior Instructor in that capacity for 10 years. His time in service was served with honor, integrity, and valor. Not only did he dedicate himself to serving  his country, but also to his God by serving as a deacon and being a long-standing member of First Presbyterian Church in Cordele. He also dedicated himself in service to his family. He married Elizabeth Ann Green in Wilkinson County, Georgia, in January 1953, and was a patient and loving father of his only child, Rebecca Lynn. He is survived by his daughter Rebecca L. Dorough (Gary), Albany, GA and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the country. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Ann Elizabeth Green Adams, his mother and father, Howell Jeptha and Elzy Hogue Adams, sisters Dorothy Stephens and Ninah Poplin, and brothers, Elmer, J.B. and Dwain Adams, all of Oklahoma. Full military graveside services will be held at the Rostrum Andersonville National Cemetery on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 noon. until 1:00 p.m. at Rainey Family Funeral Services.

Funeral arrangements are provided by Rainey Family Funeral Services of Cordele, Georgia. The family wishes to thank Dr. Russ Hopper and the staff at Fellowship Home Cordelia Manor, Care South, and Reflections Hospice for their dedication and wonderful care given to COL. Adams. Special thanks to his wonderful, loving care givers, Gwen Young and Gail Dorough. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or: Wounded Warriors Project 4899 Belfort Road Jacksonville, FL 32256.