John Randall Adams, 73, of Canton, Georgia ran straight into the arms of his Savior in the early hours of September 10, 2026. Death is difficult for those of us left to grieve, but the opportunity to celebrate a life well lived is a privilege.

John leaves behind a legacy shaped not by self, but by service, sacrifice, support, and stewardship. He was a warrior for the Lord.  He was salt and light in the lives of all who knew him. He loved others with a generosity and sincerity that most of us can only aspire to, and he radiated joy regardless of the circumstances. His glass was always half-full, and he was always more than happy to tell you all the ways his cup runneth over and, most importantly, to point you to the One who made it so.

John’s professional career began as a truss engineer in his family business. He later became a high school English teacher and taught at Chesapeake High School in Ohio for 11 years. He was a gifted educator who genuinely loved to teach, but his deepest passion was found in mentoring others. To his students, he was far more than a teacher.  He was an encourager, a cheerleader, and a counselor. To many, he was a cherished constant in a world full of variables.

Through youth ministry in many forms, John devoted himself to building and investing in the Kingdom of God. In his home with his children and grandchildren, at school with his students, and in churches from Florida to Ohio, he spent countless hours investing not only in the lives of young people, but also in their eternity. He coached wrestling and baseball, and he especially loved leading Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His influence was not measured merely in lessons taught or activities led, but in the lives he strengthened, encouraged, and guided toward Christ.

Another mission dear to John’s heart was his ministry in Zambia. When he first traveled to Africa in 2019, he was immediately moved by the desperate need for better educational systems. There, God planted a seed in John’s heart that he would spend the rest of his life nurturing. On that first trip, John eagerly partnered with a Christ-centered remedial school serving students who were struggling to find success in the public school system. Through their combined efforts, he helped lead the work to greatly expand and modernize the one room in which the school first met.

Because of John’s commitment, the school was able to add indoor bathrooms, electricity, a stable water supply, and a computer lab with more than fifty donated laptops. The work there is ongoing, but John delighted in every sign of progress. His service in Zambia reflected the heart that defined him everywhere: he saw a need, responded with compassion, and gave himself faithfully to help meet it.

John genuinely loved life. He had an adventurous spirit, radiated joy, and carried a positivity that was contagious. He could always be counted on to find a silver lining and to help others see it too. Most importantly, his love for the Lord was undeniable, his love for people was sincere and exemplary, and he cherished his family immensely.

John’s presence on this earth will be dearly missed; however, the impact of his life will continue in every student he encouraged, every young person he mentored, every ministry he strengthened, every family member he loved, and every heart fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy will endure, not as a monument to himself, but as a testimony to a life faithfully given in service to God and others.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Miriam Adams; his brothers, Dan and Steve; and his beloved daughter, Megan. He is survived by his wife, Sue (Little) Adams; their son, Nate his wife, Julie, and their daughters, Abigail, Madelyn, and Macy; their son Gabe his wife, Bianca, and their sons, Ethan, Evan, Ean (Kylie) and Elijah, along with great grandchildren Seeley (Evan), Nolan and Wyatt (Ean and Kylie); and their son Tim his wife, Martina, and their children Danny, Emma and Matthew.   His family was his greatest earthly treasure, and the love, memories, and legacy he leaves with them will carry on for generations to come.

John’s celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Deep Creek Community Church, 1500 Coopere Street, Punta Gorda, FL from 10:30 AM until Noon. Private interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Port Charlotte, Florida 33950.

The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in John’s memory to continue his work in Zambia.

Please make checks payable to: Hearts for Africa, 168 Honeysuckle Lane Huntington, WV 25701, c/o Beverly Miller, or donate through the QR code shown below:

Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.