SHELBY, N.C. – Rev. Walter Marion Adams, 91, entered the kingdom of God on Easter Sunday April 5, 2015, with his beloved and devoted wife of 58 years, Carrie Frances Bussey Adams, who lovingly cared for him by his side.

Born in Edgefield S.C., he was the son of the late Joseph Clyde Adams and Mattie Bell Casey Adams. He served in the U. S. Military along with his three brothers, Willie Adams, Elzie Adams and Henry Adams, who preceded him in death along with two sisters, Martha Adams and Avis Gill; and a brother, Jake Adams. Rev. Adams graduated from North Greenville University and received a B. A. from Furman University, and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary.

Rev. Adams was ordained into the ministry in 1960. He served as pastor of churches in Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina. He retired from Lily Memorial Baptist Church after 16 years of service. He was vice moderator and moderator of Kings Mountain Baptist Association, formerly the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association. He led and participated in 15 mission trips in 14 foreign countries. Highlights included preaching on Russian television and in front of the Museum of Atheism in Russia and revival services in Cuba. He also served as interim pastor in several churches. He also volunterred as chaplain at Carolina Healthcare System- Cleveland and with the local jail ministry of FBC, Shelby.  Prior to answering the call to ministry in 1953,  he worked at the U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs, WJB Dorn Hospital in Columbia, SC and three years with the Edgefield Advertiser in Edgefield S.C.

He is survived by his wife Carrie Frances Bussey Adams; four children, Lydia Frances Adams Elder and husband Timothy of Simpsonville, S.C., Rebecca Mattie Adams Roesch and husband Thomas of Greer S.C.,  Dr. John Marion Adams and wife Donna of Easley SC,  Sarah Lorene Adams Wells and husband Jerome of Simpsonville, S.C.;  He dearly loved his grandchildren: Isaac Timothy Elder, Walter Ernst Roesch, Leah Frances Elder, Joseph Dale Elder, Mattie Elizabeth Roesch, Joshua Marion Adams, Isabella Marie Wells and Seth Isaiah Wells; one brother, Larry Adams and wife Elaine of Cummings GA; and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express deep appreciation to the numerous caregivers, specifically from  Hospice of Cleveland County, Bayada Home Health Care, and Que Glenn,  who blessed Rev. Adams and family through their loving service.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church with Dr. John Adams and Rev. Jim Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church  at 4:00 pm in Edgefield S.C. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary from 10:00 am until 11:00am, an hour before the service.

Memorials can be made to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby N.C. 28150, or North Greenville University. 7801 North Tigerville Road, Travelers Rest S.C. 29688.