Jerry Lawrence Adams

December 3, 1951 - August 3, 2018

Jerry Lawrence Adams, age 66, a resident of Madison and formerly of Columbia, passed away Friday, August 3, 2018 at his residence.

Funeral services for Jerry will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 7 in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Maury Memorial Gardens adjacent to Heritage Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 12 Noon until service time at 2:00. Pallbearers will be McClain Delk, Mason Delk, Austin Adams, Harold Hodges and Steve Morley.

Jerry was born in Columbia on December 13, 1951. He was the son of the late Dory Lawrence Adams, Jr. and Grace Corine Gilliam Adams. Although he was severely handicapped by cerebral palsy, he was a powerful force who lived life to the fullest. He was an inspiration to many. In 1980, Jerry started painting as a hobby and a much needed emotional outlet, and became a member of the Tennessee Art League. In 2004, he was recognized by the Tennessee State Legislature as an artist with disabilities who refused to let that get in the way of his aspirations and dreams of pursuing his talent. He was honored as the Nashville Disabled Artist of the year by Metro Davidson County. Many of his painting have been displayed in exhibits at Vanderbilt University, Nashville International Airport, TPAC, Ryman Auditorium and all throughout middle Tennessee. His hobbies included going to casinos, doing karaoke and jazz music and he loved the Tennessee Titans.

Jerry is survived by his sisters: Patricia Adams Delk of Columbia and Vickie Adams (Jim) Matthews of Pegram; niece: Jennifer Delk (Brent) Pendleton; several great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents: Dory Lawrence Adams, Sr., Leota Adams Lynn, Hollis and Maggie Gilliam; nephew: Bryan McClain Delk.

Jerry had many wonderful friends and caregivers over the years, who encouraged and helped him to fulfill his dreams and the family wants to give them heartfelt thanks: Michael Stevens, Steve Morley, Armistead Grandstaff and Harold Hodges.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Progress, INC., 319 Ezell Pike, Nashville, TN 37217 or www.progress-inc.org