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Celebrating the life of
George W. "Billy" Adams, Jr.
July 08, 1946 - July 05, 2020
George W. “Billy” Adams Jr, of Savannah, GA, passed away on July 5th, 2020 at Memorial Hospital.
Born in Savannah, Georgia, he was the son of the late Florence Counihan and George Wilmot Adams and brother to the late Robert “Bobby” Adams.
Billy graduated from Benedictine Military School, Class of 1964. He grew up as a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and was most recently a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Savannah.
Billy served in the Georgia Air National Guard and retired as the Executive Director of South Carolina Stevedores Association. He served the Charleston waterfront community in many leadership roles and was the proud recipient of Maritime Association of South Carolina’s 2014 Beacon Award for distinguished service. Billy shared his love for athletics by coaching and umpiring in both Savannah and Charleston.
A proud Irishman, Billy was a member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, the Shenanigans Society, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Charleston, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Knights of Columbus.
After retirement, Billy returned to Savannah to lovingly restore his childhood home in Parkside.
He is survived by sons John Adams & Kevin Adams (wife, Ashley) and daughters Sarah Adams Taylor (husband, Craig) & Erin Adams. His sister-in-law, Kieran Russell Adams, nephews Brian and Christopher Adams, niece Kieran Adams Dalton (husband, Matt) and great-nephew, Jacob Dalton. He was the proud grandfather of Hayden James Taylor, Eden Grace Taylor and Claire Elizabeth Adams.
Having never met a stranger, Billy will be remembered for his Southern hospitality and his love for family & friends.
Due to Covid-19, all services will be private, but the service will be live streamed. Please click vimeo.com/436194935 and use the password, Family, to access the live stream.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Benedictine Military School 6502 Seawright Drive Savannah, Ga 31406 or Saint Vincent’s Academy 207 E. Liberty Street Savannah, Ga 31401
Real sorry to hear about billy my brother Richard were best of friends for a long time
- aiken, springfield, Ga
So sorry for your loss. Served with Billy on SCITC board. Always so pleasant to be around.
- ELIZABETH Brabham, Charleston, South Carolina
A candle has been lit!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Billy was such a good friend and gentleman and we are so lucky to have had him in our lives. We made a lot of memories. Godspeed
- Julianne Adam, Hoboken, NJ
RIP, My Dear Old Friend. Prayers for the Family.
- Michael T. Powers, Savannah, Ga.
What a great man. Many memories of him during basketball at SHS. Rest In Peace, sir.
- James Hodge, Savannah, GA
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- Jan Holland Ethridge , Alpharetta , Ga
So sorry to hear about your father. He was an amazing man. He will be greatly missed.
- Janet B Sasser, Savannah, Georgia
We were saddened to hear the news of your dad...he was a great man! Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family, Sarah!
- Jennifer Duclos , Savannah , Ga
A candle has been lit!
- linda lanier, ellabell , ga
We will miss Billy, over the last couple years he had a become a good friend to us. Will never forget his sauces, that he liked to make and share with friends. So sorry for your loss, will keep your family in our prayers.
- Larry and Cristol, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. Have known Billy for many years. He was a true southern gentleman and one of the nicest and kindest person I have ever met. He will truly be missed.
- Joy Latta, Hendersonville , NC
Please accept my most sincere condolences on Billy's passing .
- Grange Simons Lucas 111, Charleston, S C
We share the family's grief at the loss of our dear cousin Billy.
- Thomas and Muriel Adams, Arlington, VA
Billy was a great man and we will miss his cheerful words!
- Mark and Shannon Condon, Charleston , SC
Carolyn and I were sorry to hear about Billy passing. We always enjoyed being around him and the Adams family. Praying for Erin and family!
- Bob and Carolyn White, Greensboro , Ga
Thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
- Peter Erb, Fernandina Beach, FL
I knew Billy for many years working with USMX and the many meetings we had together. I loved listening to his stories about growing up in the South as well as his always interesting stories about our industry and the colorful characters in it. My heartfelt condolences to you all.
- Ian Cairns, Staten Island , New York
Billy and I are so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He was such a great guy with a big heart. I know all of you will miss him dearly.
- Carol and Billy Ray, Savannah, Georgia
Billy was a wonderful and generous man. The world is a lesser place without him. May he rest in peace.
- Sean O'Toole, MOUNT PLEASANT, SC
Sarah so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I have wonderful childhood memories of him Coaching our softball teams growing up. He will be missed by so many. Prayers for the family.
- Tina Lutz Garrett, Savannah, GA
So sorry for your loss and we offer our prayers and condolences. We have fond memories of Billy and especially of all his wonderful children. May God bless all of you and give you comfort at this time of great loss.
- Stadelman, Lakeland, Florida
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I am truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Adams was a true gentleman and one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. May he rest in peace.
- Beth Monica, Lyndhurst, New Jersey
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Billy. My love to his family and friends.
- Carlie McCarthy, New York, NY
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Billy was such a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed.
- Ginny Disk, Savannah, GA
Billy you will be missed by all. We will never forget our two weeks in the Virgin Island with you and Brenda. Good time by all. Bless you
- Ted and cheryl mckevlin, Charleston, Sc
Billy and I grew up together on 48th Street. Billy was always cooking up new adventures for all of us to enjoy. It was great to have him back in Savannah and share all the great memories we had growing up in the neighborhood. We will be thinking of and praying for you all during this difficult time. Tom and Patty Anglin
- Anglin family, Savannah, Georgia
Billy was a great friend to Brenda and I and will be truly missed. A damn good dawg taken too soon. RIP friend!
- Jimmy Gibson, Charleston, South Carolina
I have known Billy from Parkside on. A reliably true gentleman in an industry that often needed many more of them. From the early days at Strachan Savannah to the leadership roles in Charleston, always a reasonable voice in a sea of chaos. Billy, I just saw you in Papa’s a few weeks back and you’ll be missed by many. We’ll have that lunch later! My sincerest condolences to your family and many friends. Randy Booker, Sr.
- Randy Booker, Sr., Tybee Is., GA
We are deeply sorry to hear about our cousin Billy's passing. Billy was a wonderful father, grandfather, and a friend to many. May he rest in peace. Sincere condolences from the Byrnes family to the Adams family and all who will miss him.
- Mary Ann Byrnes, Charleston, SC
Incredibly saddened to hear of the loss of this lifelong neighbor and friend to our family. So many good memories of Billy and his precious parents on 48th Street. Love and prayers to his family during this difficult time
- Katie Mulligan Bradley, Savannah, Georgia
Billy was a true friend and colleague. I will miss him. My prayers and thoughts are with his family who he was so proud of.
- Roger J Giesinger, Norfolk, VIRGINIA
A candle has been lit!
Prayers of deep peace for Billy’s family and friends.
- Kelly Kilpatrick Hunt, Savannah, Georgia
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My heart goes out to Billy’s family that was the center of his life. I feel blessed to have worked with Billy in Charleston and lucky to be able to call him a friend and mentor. Godspeed.
- Susan Gardner, Savannah, GA
Dear John and Family, We were deeply saddened to learn of "Uncle" Billy's passing. He was greatly admired, dearly loved, and a friend to all who knew him. Our love and deepest condolences to you all. " A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" - Proverbs 17:17
- Ben and Dawn Blasingame, Charleston, South Carolina
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Billy for very long, but he was the epitome of a true Catholic gentleman and I am thankful that I was able to make his acquaintance.
- Charles Stappenbeck, Savannah, GA
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So sorry for your loss
- Kim and Luis Perez, Lyndhurst , NJ
We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Love you.
- Glenn Hohnerlein & Donna Scott, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Glenn Hohnerlein & Donna Scott, SAVANNAH, GA
Billy was a kind and gentle human being who sought to bring cheer to everyone he met. He was passionate about his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
- Gus Olalere, Charleston, SC
Praying for healing for all during this difficult time. I'm so sorry for your loss.
- Jenna Lucree, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
Billy was such an amazing friend. We loved him very much. Deepest condolences to the family.
- Diamonds, Charleston, SC
A candle has been lit!
- Victoria Mell McCuen, Savannah, GA
Billy, you were one of a kind. We will miss you but hold tight to all the memories. Prayers for the Adam's family.
- Dan and Cindy Brown , Charleston , SC
We were deeply saddened learning of Billy's passing. He was probably my brother's best friend. Only occasionally did we have the opportunity to talk with Billy. His wit, storytelling, and gentle demeanor will be sorely missed but take comfort in knowing that he is with other loved ones. Please accept our most heartfelt and sincere condolences. Greg and Bobbie Ansley
- Greg Ansley, Saint Augustine, FL
My sincere condolences to the family. I knew Billy for many years as we both worked on the Savannah waterfront. He will be missed greatly as he was a very kind and gentle soul. RIP my brother!
- Richard Grenville, Kansas City, MO - Missouri
I am so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to the family.
- Bill Bailey, EDISTO ISLAND, SC
To all Billy’s family I send my deepest condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Billy well, but he was a kind and generous neighbor. He was ever watchful of the neighborhood cats and children. We will miss him. RIP Billy.
- Annie Quinting , Savannah , GA
Family, thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May Billy, Rest in the Eternal Peace of Our Lord. The BC Class of 1964 has lost another member and a good friend. Ada, you will be missed! God Bless
- Roy S Banks (BC'64), Flowery Branch, GA
My deepest sympathy to Billy’s family. I so enjoyed talking to Billy at the many waterfront celebrations over the years. We reminisced about Savannah and he always had a joke or two about our Catholic past. May he Rest In Peace knowing he did a great job here on earth. He will most definitely be missed by the waterfront family. I will always remember his smiling face and clever wit. This world needed his humorous quality so much!
- Barbara O. Westerfield, Mount Pleasant, SC
A lot of people will miss Billy’s outgoing personality. I worked with Billy many years and with all transactions he was always fair and honest. Condolences to his family, I know he will be missed. RIP my friend.
- Michael Westerfeld , Mount Pleasant, SC
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BILLY WAS A GREAT MAN
- JOHN f SEIGNIOUS, charleston, SC
Rest in Peace my friend. Will always cherish our friendship. My condolences to the family.
- Uwe Schulz (Port of Philadelphia), Lewes, Delaware
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I am so sorry to hear about Billy passing . I know he will be missed and family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
- Tom Sullivan , Savannah, GA
Proud to serve in the industry with Billy. He was always serving others. He will be missed. May his memory be eternal!!!
- Jimmie Gianoukos, Charleston, SC
So sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He was a great man and will be missed.
- Mark, Janice & Davis Pinckney, Jacksonville, FL
SOM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BILLY..WHAT A WONDERFUL GUY
- JOE BERRY, SAVANNAH, GA
So sorry to hear of Billy's passing. I haven't spoken with him in some time, but I will always remember him fondly from my time with the Maritime Association. You could always count on Billy for both insight and a good laugh. Rest in peace my friend and condolences to the Adams family.
- Denver Merrill, Charleston, South Carolina
So sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. Having left my home of Savannah nearly 30 years ago, I don’t hear about these things. Billy and Bobby, one of my many “big brothers,” lived across the street and one house down from my parents and my brother and me all of our lives. Billy was amazing, so kind and friendly and just a great guy. So sorry for your loss.
- Katharine Pasch, Glen Allen, VA
Ah Danny Boy, you will forever be loved and missed by your family and friends. Thank you for the memories and unforgettable laugh.
Dear Family, I met Billy through some mutual friends where I bartend at the Chas.Elks Lodge. What a great man he was, always had a smile on that face as he greeted me. Always offering to help out when needed. Shared many great laughs with him. I’m blessed to have known him. RIP my dear friend!
- Cathy Hyatt, Charleston , SC
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Billy was an amazing man and dear friend! He will be missed by many, sending love and prayers.
- Kathleen Buckley, Johns Island, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900
- Services Will Be Private