William "Tater" C. Adams

William C. "Tater" Adams, 53, of Benton, departed this life unexpectedly on Thursday, January 20, 2022, surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born on July 2, 1968, in Cleveland, Tennessee to the late Bill and Doris Dedmon Adams. 

Throughout life, Tater developed a love for life and people.  In his early years, he grew up playing sports and learning the passion that is required to succeed on and off the field. 

He was a 1987 graduate of Charleston High School and excelled wearing #77 on the football field and #18 on the diamond.  A humble man, he was honored and recognized to have his baseball jersey hanging on display at the Museum Center at 5ive Points.  An outdoor sportsman, he was a gun enthusiast that spent all available moments hunting and fishing. 

The years that followed graduation led Tater to having a successful career of twenty-six dedicated years with Cleveland Plywood and ten faithful years with Martin Marietta.  A true servant of his community, he lived his life daily for his “babies” in which he was blessed to have been apart of their lives and truly left an everlasting impact on each person.  A sports fanatic, he strived to be a part of a team, not for winning, however, for the friendships that came along with the team.  A star with the Alley Cats, Our Gang, and Graphics, he played with heart and character while always conducting himself with the upmost of sportsmanship.  Always being on a team, he coached softball for more than thirty-six years and was the current head coach with the Hotshots 14U.  Tater loved being a part of the Polk County Youth Football teams over the past 9 years and was currently serving as the leagues vice-president.  Along with the thousands of lives touched on the playing field, the love for children led he and Beth into foster care and welcomed five children into their home with love.  He loved his family and his passion that he had for each child coached was astronomical and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Bill and Doris Adams, he was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Nathan Keith.

Left to cherish the many memories include his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Beth Cagle Adams; beloved children, Brooke (Chris) Callahan, Kayla (Hunter) Stewart, Kayla (Brandon) Flowers, Brayden Adams, Joey Adams, Myla Adams, Bradley Adams, and Zoey Adams; grandbabies, Kaylee Callahan, Hunter Blackwell, Blake Blackwell, Mackynzie Blackwell, Bradden Flowers, Skylar Flowers, and Annlea Flowers; father-figure, Donald “Peanut” Wilson; sisters, Debbie Keith and Tori Cagle; mothers and fathers-in-law, Kathy (Bobby) Kendrick and Rocky (Lori) Cagle; best friend, Scotty Burns; nieces and nephews, Jason (Michelle) Keith, Brittney Whaley, Colby Keith, Megan Phelps, and Brock Bennett; sister-in-law, Kristie (Brian) Bennett.  A community of friends who dearly loved Tater and his love for the community also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Benton, with Reverend Robby Hatcher officiating.  Interment will follow at Benton Memorial Gardens with Brandon Flowers, Chris Callahan, Phil Hooker, Will Hatcher, Keith Shell, Scotty Burns, and Bryon Posey serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will include the Hotshots 14U and all members (past & present) affiliated with Polk County Youth Football.

Family and friends will gather from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Higgins Funeral Home and from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, prior to the service at First Baptist Church of Benton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tater Adams Memorial Scholarship Fund at First Volunteer Bank.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.