Bill Adcock, Philanthropist, Community Leader, and Volunteer dies at 87.
After leading a long and admirable life filled with many accomplishments and community services, Bill Adcock passed away at his home in Newbern , TN on July 30, 2021 to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born on October 21, 1933 in Lucas County Iowa. He and his family moved to Newbern on January 3, 1961. He was educated in the Russell, Iowa Elementary and High Schools and attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict, rising from the rank of Private to Sergeant during his two year obligation.
He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Marie Ream, and settled in Newbern, Tennessee where they have resided in the same residence since 1961.
Bill had been an active and faithful member of Newbern First Baptist Church for sixty years. He shared his faith in Christ with others throughout his life, spent each day studying his bible and teaching the Men's Sunday School class for 33 years. He led the way for his class and family to love and glorify Christ in their daily actions. He served in every capacity of the church, including Deacon chairman for 6 years, Sunday School Superintendent for 12 years, and building chairman for 3 additions- the last being the new sanctuary. Bill's faith in the Lord was deep and consistent, always showing, living, telling, and seeking God's direction with his family, friends and employees. He inspired so many with his unwavering Christian strength, leadership, and selfless dedication to others.
Upon moving to Newbern, he began a jean manufacturing operation starting with 13 employees. Thirty years later the business had expanded to 1,000 employees in three plants. During his manufacturing tenure he served on numerous national professional boards and was named the national "CEO of the Year" in 1990 by the trade magazine "The Bobbin"- being featured on the cover with his accomplishments, including local and state levels. During this time he was also a United Nations delegate, representing Business and Labor. Bill was known among his peers for his self motivation, talent, skill and his strong work ethic; never hesitating to help other apparel colleagues with his expertise and knowledge in a highly competitive field. He received acknowledgement of community service and a key to the city by then Mayor Murray Flatt. A banquet was given in his honor for his effort in making All Wear not only an excellent place to work, but contributing so much financial expansion to the area.
His imposing list of community activities are many. A few that stand out are being a Rotary " Paul Harris Fellow", the Jaycee's " Outstanding Young Man of the Year" in 1968 and the Dyersburg-Dyer County Chamber of Commerce's "Outstanding Business Man of the Year" in 1981. He chaired the Boy Scout Fund Drive, served on the Newbern Planning Commission and Newbern Library Board, He was Chairman of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Advisory Committee, a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason and also spearheaded the building of the previous Dyer County High School - now Northview Middle School.
Bill had a service-oriented heart and he gave constantly of his time and resources, making substantial financial donations to both DSCC and Union University. Scholarships funded annually by the Adcocks were to medical field students for granddaughters, Margo Marie Petersen and Hollie Marie Adcock. He saw Christian Education as a great value consequently giving attentively of himself to DSCC and Union. Both schools are the beneficiaries of a trust. He has been a member of the DSCC Foundation Board since it's inception in 1988 and served as chairman from 2000-2006. In 2005, he and Mary received the coveted State Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy, and in 2008 DSCC gave the college's highest honor to him- the "Pinnacle Award". Recently, DSCC named the Nursing Intensive Care Unit Simulation Lab in honor of Bill and Mary Adcock. At Union, Bill was on many boards over more than 34 years of service. His participation on the board of trustees has spanned six presidents. In 2003 he was chosen as an honorary alumni and is now a Trustee Emeritus.
The family includes his wife of 67 years, Mary Marie Ream Adcock; two daughters, one son and their spouses: Debi and Chris Crysler of Caruthersville, MO., Diane and Dr. Ron Petersen of Charleston MO., and David and Pamie Adcock of Dyersburg, TN. his grandchildren are Grant and Katie Petersen of Atlanta, GA., Drs. Alec and Christine Petersen of Tampa, FL, Drew and Rachel Barnett of Caruthersville and Mary Malone Adcock of Dyersburg, TN. and step grandchildren are Paul and Jessica Crysler, and Sarah and Wes Deere of Caruthersville MO. He has eight great grand children ,six step great grandchildren and Marwan Sharaf and his daughter of Walls, MS. who are included as family members.
Bill enjoyed many years with his family, an active participant in their school activities, scouts and music. They camped in 47 states and enjoyed many trips back to Iowa. He was a wise and loving father and was honored to be chosen as Tennessee's All American Family in 1977. He and Mary also traveled extensively abroad taking grandchildren to many countries. One of his greatest joys was taking each of them skiing in Colorado, starting at age 4. The grandchildren enjoyed many visits to Newbern to fish in the lake and hunt dove and deer.
Whether it was through words of encouragement, sound advice, or financial gifts of kindness, he always gave from his heart. He was a man of strong character, morals, integrity, vision, leadership, honesty, and faith. All of these attributes served him, his family, his city and his country well. He always felt it was his responsibility and obligation to give back to his community. His Motto was " Those to whom much is given, much is expected", and his cup overflowed in many ways.
Not only family members, but countless friends here and across the country, will miss his quiet demeanor, loyalty and generosity. He will be remembered for his deep devotion to his family, his Lord, a community leader, and as an anchor that led many others to Christ with his dedication, guidance, and inspiration. We thank you, Bill, Mr. Adcock, Dad, or Grandpa for your positive influence in our lives: for giving us much laughter, peacemaking, love, and optimism!
Besides his parents and five sisters he was preceded in death by his precious granddaughters: Margo Marie Petersen and Hollie Marie Adcock.
A visitation to honor his life will be held at First Baptist Church in Newbern on Friday August 6 from 6-8, with services Saturday at 10 a.m.also at the church. Officiating will be Bro. Mark LaRue, and Bro.Mike McCullough. Pallbearers will be Tom Foster, Grant Petersen, Alec Petersen, Drew Barnett, David Hayes, and Marwan Sharaf. Honorary Pallbearers will be the deacons of Newbern First Baptist Church. Internment will be a private family service at Fairview Cemetery in Newbern. Johnson-Williams Funeral home is in charge of the arrangements.
He always said- in the end it doesn't matter what titles you earn, possessions you acquire, or who rules congress. What matters is how you live day by day, facing good times and bad, famine or feast, disaster or plenty. He faced his rare and aggressive leukemia like a warrior in a war he was doomed to lose. But what a fight he fought. We will not be remembered by our works, but by our deeds. Bill leaves many remembrances. He died as he lived, a model of humility and grace.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Newbern First Baptist Church Children's Building Fund or the Leukemia Foundation, 404 BNA Drive, Nashville, TN 37217.
