David Elton Adams Jr., 89, of Frisco, Texas, passed away March 29, 2020. He was born April 11, 1930, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to Amanda “Maggie” Brown and David “Elton” Adams, Sr.
He enlisted in the United States Navy in October 1948, where he did Basic Training in San Diego, California, and proceeded to learn to be a machinist on a Naval Repair Ship. His ship was stationed out of Newport Naval Harbor, Rhode Island, and traveled to many ports, focused in Newfoundland, Prince Edward Islands, Canada and Greenland areas. During his Naval career the Korean War Conflict broke out and he was honorably discharged in September 1952.
On December 10, 1954, he married Jeanette Vestal in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1955, they decided to move to Texas, where he started working at the 7-11 store #1. He then began working as a printer, gaining knowledge of the printing industry. In 1970, after numerous years working as a printer at Wilkinson Printing Company in Dallas, he was hired as a printing teacher at the new and opening Skyline High School of Dallas Independent School District, in East Dallas. He taught printing throughout the school year, including night school for adults wanting to learn the printing industry and in the summer developed curriculum for the printing department of the Dallas Independent School District. He did this for 21 years until his retirement in 1991. In 1993, he and his wife, Jeanette, moved to Frisco, where he continued as a substitute teacher at Skyline and Frisco High School.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Frisco, where he was very active in the church, and in his men’s Sunday School Class. David also enjoyed traveling and camping with his family, and loved studying the Bible and teaching Sunday school. He also loved to tell jokes and always had one ready for anyone who would listen.
David is survived by his children, Beverly Jean Stoltzfus and her husband, Calvin, of Frisco, Texas, Rebecca Ann Jernigan and her husband, Thomas, of Sachse, Texas, and James David Adams and his wife, Maria, of Dallas, Texas; daughter-in-law, Brenda White Adams of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Wendy Adams Lawton (Jon), Jami Jernigan, Keith Jernigan, Scott Stoltzfus, Georgina Garcia and Lui Garcia (Annalynn); great-grandchildren, Madison, Riley, Casey, Jordan, Abigail and Noelle; brothers, Dwight Adams of Alexander, AR and Johnny Adams (Susan) of Austin, AR; as well as numerous brothers and sisters in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Amanda “Maggie” and David “Elton" Adams, Sr; wife, Jeanette Vestal Adams; son, G. Edward Adams; and brother, Glenn D. Adams.
Due to the outbreak of the covid-19, at a later date, a full memorial service will be held, including military honors. We will notify family and friends once the date is set.
Since gatherings are restricted to a maximum of 10 people, a private graveside service will be held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas, with Rev. Todd Baker officiating.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow website.