Jerry Dennis Adams was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on October 5, 1967. His parents were Jack and Mary Alice (Daniels) Adams. He left us at the age of fifty-seven on February 11, 2025.
Jerry was born in Colorado, but his dad, Jack, moved the family to Oklahoma as soon as he could, settling in Marietta, close to Wilson where Jerry spent his childhood running the streets as one of the "Adams crew." While in school, he played catcher in baseball and was the right guard for the Marietta Indians football team, wearing his big brother James' jersey number, 76. Jerry excelled in Speech, competing at the state level several times, and he was a national winner in the History Day competition. He had a passion for music and contributed his beautiful contrabass voice to Marietta's Show Choir. Additionally, Jerry was a published poet; his work appeared in the Oklahoma Anthology, and he continued writing throughout his life. He graduated in 1985 and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he joined the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity before transferring to the University of Oklahoma.
Jerry lived in Edmond, Oklahoma, and had a passion for the outdoors and exploring new places. His adventures became even more meaningful when he met and married his soulmate, Melissa. Together, they shared captivating stories of their travels to fascinating locations, often embarking on journeys along backroads to discover exciting new destinations. Jerry adored spending time with Melissa, affectionately called his "Shoe," and treasured doing everything by her side. He also loved cooking with and for her. His Caesar salad was legendary. The exact recipe, however, is considered confidential and is shared only on a need-to-know basis.
One of his greatest achievements was being a father to his children. As a truly affectionate dad, he cherished them deeply and celebrated their successes. He would enthusiastically share about Blake's abilities, Grey's latest accomplishments, Reagan's business savvy and beautiful singing voice, and Austin's impressive acting and singing talent. He was their most devoted fan. And if you have seen him at all in the last few years, you've seen how proud he was to be Papa Jerry to his twin grandsons, Harrison and Leo.
Jerry had a heart as big as his stature. He never met a stranger and often greeted others with laughter, smiles, and/or one of his big, heartfelt hugs. He used this gift while serving as a counselor at Oklahoma's Muscular Dystrophy Association camp for eight years. His ability to disarm people and put them at ease served him well throughout his professional life. His employees at Hastings in Ardmore, as well as those across the state, became lifelong friends. Colleagues and clients trusted and respected him during his time as a Service Sales Executive at Dell Technologies and, more recently, as Vice President of Sales at Rack59 Data Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Alice Adams; brothers Frank Wilcox and James McKitrick; and father-in-law and friend, Jim Gibson.
He is survived by his wife Melissa (Fennell-Sinclair) Adams of the home; son Blake Kelley and wife Sarah, Oklahoma City; son Greyson Adams, Reston, Virginia; daughter Reagan Adams and Clay Blasingame, Oklahoma City; son Austin Adams, Edmond, Oklahoma; and grandsons Leonardo and Harrison Kelley of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his twin sister, Kerri Vanpool and husband Eric, McLoud, Oklahoma; brother Steve McKitrick and wife Melody, Edmond; Mother-in-Law Sherry Gibson, Edmond; Sister-in-Law Stephani (Sinclair) Coker and Rick Minton, Oklahoma City; and Brother-in-Law John Sinclair and Lara Udovich, Stillwater, Oklahoma. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, friends and colleagues.
Honorary pallbearers are sons Blake Kelly and Greyson and Austin Adams and nephews Chris, Alex, and Conner McKitrick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Free to Live Animal Sanctuary ( freetoliveok.org ) or Nexus Pets ( nexuspets.org ).
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but are not able to. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on 'Videos', then 'Live Streams'.