Wesley (Wes) Cowan Adams

Wesley (Wes) Cowan Adams, affectionately known as "W.C." to his friends when he was young, and "Dub" to close family, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 24, 2025, in Kingsport, Tennessee, at the age of 96.

Wes was born on November 26, 1928, in Clinchco, Virginia, to George and Launa Adams. As a young boy, he would introduce himself saying, "My name is Wesley, but my friends call me W.C." This warm and friendly nature would define him throughout his life.

After proudly serving his country in the United States Navy, he began his career working at a service station in Albuquerque, NM, where he met the love of his life, Virginia E. Lee. Their love story began when he saw Virginia working at a diner and boldly declared, “I’m going to make her my wife.” True to his word, they married on April 1,1950 in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Later they moved to Oak Ridge, TN and he began working at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where the Manhattan Project was undertaken. In 1961, they moved to Kingsport, TN where he spent the final 29 years of his career at Holston Army Ammunition Plant as a maintenance mechanic and later a supervisor, demonstrating his strong work ethic and leadership abilities. He and Virginia spent 70 years together before her passing in March of 2020.

A man who loved working with his hands, Wes could always be found in the garage where he was constantly making or tinkering with something. He could build or fix anything and in his later years, he fancied himself a cane maker, continuing to create and craft well into his senior years. He had a great sense of humor, was quick-witted, and enjoyed joking with everyone he met. He loved visiting with family and friends, telling and hearing stories, and was always there to help in whatever way he could. His generous spirit extended beyond his immediate circle, as he regularly supported numerous charitable organizations.

Wes was a devoted member of Fordtown Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee for a period of time. His faith was an important part of his life and guided him in his service to others.

Wes is survived by his children, Janet Simpson of Louisville, TN, Betty Jo Tyson of, Noraine Forbes (Andy) of Jonesborough, TN, Ron Adams (Toni Lynn) of Fall Branch, TN, and Linda Sturtz (Tony) of Napa, CA, as well as 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia; his sons, James “Jim” Tanner and Richard “Ricky” Adams; his parents, George and Launa Adams; and his sisters, Marie Lunsford and Louella Campbell.

Funeral services will be held at Fordtown Baptist Church on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3:00 PM with the family receiving friends at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Keith Smith and Pastor Brian Moore officiating. Family and friends will gather in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

His final resting place will be at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home & Memorial Park alongside his beloved wife, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to your favorite charity or one of the several organizations that Wes supported, including The Alzheimer's Association, Boys Town, Special Olympics, United Service Organizations (USO), Toys For Tots, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Tunnel To Towers Foundation, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Wes lived a full and remarkable life of 96 years, touching countless lives with his kindness, humor, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.