Eddie Adams, Jr. came into the world on October 13, 1953, in Lake Wales, FL, the firstborn of the late Mr. Eddie Adams, Sr. and the late Mrs. Rosa Lee Adams Gatson. He received his early education in the public schools of Polk County, FL. Upon his high school graduation, he matriculated at the University of South Florida as the first person in his family to attend college. His keen mind led him to major in Microbiology and he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1976.

While at USF, he was involved in many campus activities and began what would be a lifetime of service by joining the Theta Gamma Chapter of the oldest and most prestigious fraternity in the country, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. The friendships he forged and the lessons he learned in this brotherhood of men about service, giving, and scholarly pursuits defined and guided much of his life.

Eddie worked at Tampa General Hospitals Pulmonary Lab for over 20 yrs. During this time, his drive to move forward led him to pursue a Master of Architecture Degree from USF which he received in 1995. He then went to work for the architectural firm of Rosier/Jones Associates for the next 10 years helping to design various commercial and residential projects. Eventually, he began his own firm, Adams and Associates, specializing in residential design. His desire to effectuate change led him to run for the U.S. Congress in 2008.

While his bid was unsuccessful, he further solidified his commitment to making a difference in his community. He was a mentor, advisor, and counselor to many always willing to share his considerable experience in the design/build industry and the "blood sport" of politics. He believed the most impactful politics were local, so he was often seen at the Hillsborough County Commission meetings, the Hillsborough County School Board meetings and the Tampa City Council meetings. He amplified his voice as host of Porch Talk Radio a weekly radio talk show he hosted for 13 years on various stations and platforms, most recently on WTMP 1150 AM. The list of causes he championed and advisory boards he served on are too numerous to list.

In fact, he would often say that he served on 38 boards and chaired 16. Just a few of them are: 1) The Saturday Morning Breakfast Club of which he was a founding member. The groups mission, in part, is to be positive role models of exemplary leadership for young Black men. 2) Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. of which he was a lifetime member and served as past President of the Gamma Zeta Lambda chapter. 3) He was President of the Grand Krewe de Libertalia, the first all-inclusive krewe to participate in the annual Gasparilla festivities. 4) He served as Vice Chair of the Tampa General Hospital Authority. 5) He was a long-standing member of the Sheriffs Black Advisory Council.

A country boy at heart, he grew bumper crops of collard and mustard greens, the bounty being so plentiful that family and neighbors were often the grateful recipients of his gardens yield. He loved to travel, having visited numerous destinations in Europe, Asia, and South America. An avid football fan, he supported all the Florida college teams, particularly, his alma mater, USF. On any given Sunday, he could be found cheering for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys and would be conflicted when they played each other. He enjoyed golf, chess, and any activity that stimulated his mind. He loved his community, and he loved his family. He lived his life boldly and out loud and was fully himself until the very end.

He leaves precious memories with his wife, Sylvia Adams; children, Joseph Adams, Ashley Franks (Jacob); granddaughter, Kalia Franks; brothers, Allen Adams, Lerone Adams; sisters, Helen Davis, Vanessa McIntosh (Tony), LaTia Adams; aunts, Mattie Springer, Mammie Burner; nieces, Katrina Y. Johnson, Kimberly Louis Charles (Dieuvy), Joteish Battle Reddish (Tavares), Jovette Schuler (Usef), Javana Adams, Whitney McIntosh; nephew, Javonskii Faniel; cousins, Gracie Baker (Harry), Corrine Johnson, Deloris Hunt; close friend, Sharon Davis; sisters-in-law, Felicia Glover, Shari Glover; brother-in-law, Anthony Glover; and numerous other family members and friends.

Visitation
Friday, September 23, 2022
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Aikens Funeral Home
2708 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33610

Traditional Funeral Service
Saturday, September 24, 2022
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Aikens Funeral Home
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King
Tampa, FL 33610