William "Bill" Alexander Adams, Jr.

William Alexander Adams Jr., 86, known to many as Billy or Bill, passed away peacefully at his home in Irmo, SC, on September 19, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him. Born on July 9, 1939, in Charleston, South Carolina, he lived a full and meaningful life rooted in family, service, and craftsmanship.

Bill graduated from Irmo High School in 1957 and went on to attend the University of South Carolina before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard during the early 1960s. Following his military service, he built a long and fulfilling career with South Carolina Electric & Gas, retiring from the Saluda Hydro facility in 1994. During his time with SCE&G, he also served a term as president of Pine Island, the company’s employee club on Lake Murray, where he enjoyed building community with colleagues. He was a Shriner and dedicated Mason and was honored to serve as Past Master of Boyleston Lodge #123—an achievement he regarded with great pride. He was also a volunteer fireman with the Ballentine Fire Station in the early 1980s. His strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment left a lasting impression on all who knew and worked alongside him.

Bill found great joy in his hobbies and loved sharing them with his family, especially his grandchildren. They often joined him in the garden to water plants and pick vegetables, or in his train room to watch the miniature trains travel through the towns, tunnels, and mountains he so carefully built. In earlier years, he enjoyed fishing and boating on Lake Murray, a pastime that brought him peace and connection to the outdoors. A lifelong Gamecock, he loved cheering on the University of South Carolina, win or lose. A devoted craftsman, Bill was known for heading to his workshop each afternoon at 4 o’clock sharp—his “time to go to work.” There, he poured his heart into creating ornaments, crosses, furniture, jewelry boxes, and intarsia pieces that now fill the homes of loved ones. His intarsia was recognized with a blue ribbon at the South Carolina State Fair, a testament to his patience, creativity, and skill. These simple moments and lasting creations reflect the care and love he put into everything he did.

Faith was a guiding force throughout Bill’s life. He was a devoted member of New Hope Lutheran Church, where he found spiritual strength and community.

Bill was deeply loved by his family. He is survived by his wife, Shirlene; and by his three daughters with his first wife Marilyn, Connie Wells (Frank), Kim Adams, and Stacy Lee; stepdaughter Sheryl Starnes; and stepson Richie Starnes (Dale). Known affectionately as “Papa,” he cherished his grandchildren Kevin and Connor Wells, Tyler and Anna Lee, and Patrick Nagle, and as “Grandpa,” he held a special place in the hearts of step-grandchildren Sara Stingel (Richard) and their children Markie, Ryan, Levi, and Wyatt and grandchildren

Jocelyn and Aoife; Tony Wise; Marci Spires (Eric) and their children Lyla and Kaley; as well as beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn Derrick Adams; his parents, William Alexander Adams Sr. and Elsie Schneider Adams; his sister, Joyce Adams Taylor; and his granddaughter, Heather Renee Wells.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 3:00 p.m., at New Hope Lutheran Church, 1725 Old Tamah Road, Irmo, SC. A private family burial will be held at Shady Grove United Methodist Church cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

Bill will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.