Ralph Anderson Adams

Rev. Ralph A. Adams, of Kannapolis, passed away on September 1, 2021 at his home, after a period of declining health.

He was born in Cabarrus Co. on November 15, 1935, a son of the late Fred and Roxie Haynes Adams. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his daughter, Gail Bass and his brother, Hubert Adams.

Ralph was a member of the United States Army. After his time in service, he returned to Kannapolis and was in car sales for many years. He then followed God's calling into ministry, where he pastored Hickory Pentecostal Church for two years, followed by 6 1/2 years at his home church, the former Jackson Park Pentecostal Church in Kannapolis.
He served as the Vice-President of the Kannapolis Ministerial Association and Vice-President of Parson of the Hills. He also spent over 20 years as a pastoral volunteer at Piedmont Correctional Institute.

To those who loved him, his greatest title was Papa. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, riding them on his tractor or rocking them in his chair. He also enjoyed baking cakes, and Papa's cakes were often requested by his grandchildren and many friends.

More important than any of these accomplishments was Ralph's love for God. He made sure to share Jesus wherever he went, whether during prison ministry, at doctor's offices, or around the table with family. He has left behind a legacy of a life well-lived for Jesus.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Gladell Adams; sons, Chuck Adams, and wife Melissa; Phil Adams, and wife Melissa; and Rick Adams, and wife Stephanie. He has 8 grandchildren: Tonya Lucas, Kelly Clodfelter, Bradley Adams, Kristen Lanier, Seth Adams, Hayley Adams, Camilla Alexander, and Joshua Adams; and 10 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include two sisters, Claudine Bostian and Willie Mae Broadway.

Rev. Ralph's body will Lie-in-State at Whitley's Funeral Home on Sunday, September 5, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The family will not be present. Due to Covid concerns, the funeral will be closed to the public but live-streamed on The Message Community Church Youtube Channel starting at 12:00 p.m. Monday, September 6. The committal service is open to the public at Carolina Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m. following his funeral service. The family will receive friends at the grave after the committal. Please observe Covid protocols with masks and social distancing at that time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Message Community Church, 1008 Moose Rd. Kannapolis, NC 28083.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com