Obituary: James Earl Adamson

The son of Curtis A. and Elma Exton Adamson, Earl began composing his life’s song on Nov. 1, 1938, in Coffee County, Ala. In 1952, the family moved to Winter Garden, where he continued adding to the melodies of his song. 

Remaining to keep his song alive are his loving wife, Ruth Ann; sister, Alice Lanterman; nieces, Rebecca Lanterman Gaudious (Dominic) and Marie Alexander; nephews, Jimmy (Debbie), Keith (Mary), and Lee (Rhonda) Adamson and Joshua (Amy) Lanterman; and his mother-in-law, Ruthie Wingate. His melody is also carried on by eight great-nieces; three great-nephews; three great-great nieces; five great-great nephews; and many cousins, extended family and friends.  

He is predeceased by his parents; his brother, Charles; his brother-in-law, Larry Lanterman; and his great-niece, Dana Adamson Boyd.

Earl’s 32-year career in telecommunications began with Florida Telephone Corporation in April 1965, and he retired from Sprint in February 1997. His favorite pastimes were fishing and traveling. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends in the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. He enjoyed playing his guitar and liked all genres of music with a “special ear and tap of the toe” to bluegrass, quartet and Sacred Harp music.

His funeral service was held Sept. 27, 2014, at the Shady Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Elba, Ala., and he was laid to rest in the Shady Grove Cemetery.  A memorial service was held on Sept. 29, 2014, at the West Orange Church of Christ, in Winter Garden, Fla.

Remembrance gifts may be made to the Mt. Dora Christian Home and Bible School, 301 W. 13th Ave., Mt. Dora, FL 32757, or VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, 2201 Lucien Way, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751.

His family extends a heartfelt thank you to his VITAS Hospice Intensive Comfort Care team for their help and support.

“The melody he composed, entwining the sharps and flats of life, lives on in special heart chambers for us to lovingly remember. Strumming his final chords, he has now come full circle.”

— R.A. Adamson, 

September 2014