Burley Adams

May 15, 1935 - February 20, 2018

Burley "Burla" Adams was born on May 15, 1935 in Gilmore, Arkansas to Kelo and Idella Adams and was the oldest son of 13 children. He was named after his Uncle Burley and moved to Joliet, Illinois as a kid he attended Washington Jr High as well as Joliet Central High School, thereafter joined the US Air Force as a fire fighter, soon after married his wife of 60yrs and they raised 6 children together, he attended the Joliet Church of Christ for over 60yrs and helped build the building on Margaret Street, he was employed by Caterpillar where after 30yrs he retired from being a Machinist Welder and Union Steward, he was a registered Buffalo Soldier and a 30yr Gold Veteran member from Grand Lodge local #851. He was a sports, fishing, hunting and CB enthusiasts and was known for his jovial sense of humor and zest for life. He was highly respected by those who knew him as a God fearing man. He is preceded in death by both parents, his older Sister Opal Smith of St Louis, MO, 3 Brothers; Tylo, Lyndell and Bernard Adams and his special Aunt Pearl Henderson who lived to 104yrs young. He leaves those to cherish his memories, his loving wife Dorothy Adams, 5 daughters; Lydia (George) Craft, Karla Boyd, Veda Gavin, Donna and Carolyn Adams of Georgia and Joliet, 1 son Richard (La Keisha) Adams of Frankfort, IL, 12 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren who fondly called him "PawPaw", 4 Brothers: Joedell of Oakland, CA, Carnell of Riviera, FL, Stanley (Laura) and Romney Adams of Joliet, IL. 4 Sisters: Tamar McBride of Renton, WA, Magdalene Pierrot of Woodbridge, VA, Iola Chism and Gloria Wiley both of Joliet, IL Also numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends.