Back to Obituaries W.H. Mays Mortuary | Augusta, GA

Joseph Adams

Passed 08/18/2026

Obituary For Joseph Adams

Mr. Joseph Adams
August 18, 2026

U.S. Veteran

Joseph “Big Papa” Adams, enter eternal rest on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in his home, at the age of 75. His passing leaves a deep sorrow in the hearts of those who knew and loved him; yet his family finds comfort in the many memories, lessons and acts of love he leaves behind.
Joseph was born on September 4,1950, to the late Paul and Annie Lou Adams Sr.

Joseph joined St. Clair Baptist Church in 1966, where he served as an Usher.

He received his education at Lucy C. Laney High School and was a graduate of class of 1968. Being an advanced student, while at CT Walker, he moved up toa couple of classes. There, the foundation was laid, fora life characterized by hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Joseph proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air force. He spent majority of his service in the Philippines. His military service reflected the strength, discipline and commitment that would remain evident throughout his life. Once he returned home, he was employed by Murray Biscuit Company and St. Joseph Hospital. He retired from Kellogg (formally known as Murray Biscuit company) after working forty plus years.

He enjoyed playing the trombone in the Pride of Augusta Marching Band and proudly considered himself a self-taught mechanic who loved working on cars. A devoted sports fan, he cheered for the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Bulldogs and looked forward to walking to the Bell Auditorium on Mondays to watch wrestling matches. He also treasured Sundays spent with his siblings at the Lenox Theater, where they enjoyed movies together after completing their chores.

Joseph entered Holly Matrimony to Deloris Ann Adams on October 28, 1977, and to this union they shared 7 children. His beloved Deloris preceded him in death on January 13, 2021.

Joseph is known by his siblings as Pace; at work he was known as Big Joe; by his children andgrandchildren as DJ Kurt and Big Papa. Joseph loveslistening to music; he was DJ for the family. Reading paperback books and grilling ribs were his specialties.At the center of his life was his family. He was a hardworking man who believed deeply in providing for those he loved. His love was not only demonstrated through words, but through sacrifice, generosity, dependability, and a willingness to give whenever there was a need. He found great joy when surrounded by family and he treasured the moments they shared together.

Loved ones preceded him in death: His siblings: EliJordan, McArthur Adams, Willie T Adams, Floydie Mae Smith, James (Alberta) Adams, Ernest Jordan, John Adams and Timothy Adams; child: Tom Ellison III; two grandchildren: Mason Wilson and Madison Bri-Shay Birt; one great-grand child: Aubrie Fowler.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his sister, Rosemary Adams-Carter; his children, Angela (Roy) Price, Tina Brown-Cobb, Deadra Adams, Wanda Fobb, Joseph P. (Veronica) Adams, and Shantell (Sylvester) Lamb; his grandson, Je’Vante McClendon, whom he raised as his own; his grandchildren, Gavin and Gaquetta Price, Kalaya (Myles) Scott, JaNaya Adams, Kar’Marcus Staples, Tyhiriah Adams, Joseph Adams II, Jada Adams, Isaiah Richarson, Josiah Adams, Jayla Adams, Jaylan Adams, Ciniya McClendon, KiammieLevertt, Ky’Riana Adams, and Ki’Marion Adams; and his great-grandchildren, Andrea Graham, Mayson Adams, Neveah Gibbons, Jhazel Adams, Jakobe Adams, Na’Mya Lemon, Xyla Staples, and Jakari Adams.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his sisters-in-law, Annie G. (RoyChester) Roberts, Eunice Jordan, Joan P. Adams, and Emma Moore; his brothers-in-law, Ronnie L. Carter and Micheal Gant; along with a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the mortuary. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 2:00PM at St. Claire Baptist Church, 124 William Tinley Road, Keysville, Georgia. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706)722-6401.

Public visitation:

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Mays Mortuary
1221 James Brown Boulevard
Augusta, Georgia 30901

Funeral service:

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
2:00 PM

St. Claire Baptist Church
124 William Tinley Road
Keysville, Georgia

Send flowers to the service of Joseph Adams


Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.