L. D. (Dave) Adams, Jr., was born on October 14, 1937, in Dallas, Texas. He passed away at his home in Sulphur Springs on November 6, 2023, at the age of 86. Dave attended Crozier Tech High School in Dallas until he left to join the Army. He served from 1954 until 1957, at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, and in Fairbanks, Alaska. After his discharge, he returned home to Texas, where he lived until his death.
As a child, Dave learned fishing and hunting skills with his great-grandfather Daddy Buck. The love of fishing stayed with him throughout his life and was shared with his kids. Dave also loved boating, from his dad’s wooden ski boat, to runabouts, and even a houseboat that he had for many years.
Dave was a salesman for Coats & Clark in San Angelo, managed Western Auto stores in El Paso and Ft. Worth, and sold American National Insurance after returning to Dallas. He later worked for Montgomery Ward at Big Town Mall, then opened his own fence company in Garland.
In the early 80s, Dave bought land in Pickton and built a house there on his farm where he raised cows. He then got the opportunity to buy A-1 Custom Trailers near Sulphur Springs, which he owned and operated for over 30 years before retiring after he was diagnosed with COPD. He enjoyed working with his employees—who were like family—and all his dealers and customers.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, L. D. Adams, Sr., and Lillian Adams.
He is survived by his wife Ann Adams of Sulphur Springs, brother H. Richard Adams of College Station, sister Karen Adams of Buffalo.
Children Sheryl Millar and husband Ronnie of Cumby, Ken Adams and wife Teresa of Sulphur Springs, Lori Gatlin and husband Mark Werbner of Dallas, Chris Bouland of Wills Point, Keith Bouland and wife Melanie of Fate, and Kevin Bouland and wife Renee of Pickton.
Nine grandchildren, Pamela Shigeoka and husband Iain of Corvallis, Oregon, Rachael Adams of Sulphur Springs, Melissa Waters and husband Steve of Sulphur Springs, Hannah Hernandez and husband Eli of Emory, Evan Gatlin and wife Ashlyn of Frisco, John Brisendine, Kevin Lynn Bouland, Emily Bouland, and Loren Sixx of Wills Point.
Dave had thirteen great-grandchildren, four nieces, one nephew, and many cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, November 11, at 2:30pm. at West Oaks Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs. Visitation will be Friday evening, November 10, from 6 until 8pm. at West Oaks.
