Stanford M. Adams, 74


Stanford (Stan) M. Adams, 74, of Four Oaks, N.C., died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, surrounded by his family.

He graduated from North Carolina State University in 1957 with a B.S. degree in forest management and embarked on his professional career in resource management, which spanned over 44 years. He began with the U.S. Forest Service, holding positions across the South and in Washington, D.C. In 1991, he returned to his Johnston County roots, joining the N.C. Forest Service as director of the division, and held this position until his retirement in 2006.

Returning to live and complete his forestry career in North Carolina was a dream come true for Stan. He loved to work and play on his family farm, where he nurtured his tree farm. He enjoyed time at his condo in Atlantic Beach and spent wonderful days there with his family.

He was an active member of the Izaak Walton League of America for 30 years, serving in many capacities, including national president. He was also active in the National Association of State Foresters and the Southern Group of State Foresters and served as president of both associations.

Other memberships include Society of American Foresters, American Forestry Association, North Carolina Forestry Association, Forest Landowners Association, Public Relations Society of America, and the North Carolina Forestry Foundation. He was N.C. Registered Forester No. 877.

Stan served the forestry profession with distinction and was recognized throughout his career with many awards, including Distinguished Alumni Award from N.C. State University, Distinguished Service to Forestry Award by the Appalachian Society of American Foresters, Society of American Foresters Fellows Award, Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of State Foresters, U.S. Forest Service Golden Smokey Award, N.C. Forestry Association Outstanding Service Award, and North Carolina Tree Farmer of the Year. He also received the prestigious Governor\'s Order of the Longleaf Pine.

Stan served his country admirably in the Navy - Active Duty and Reserve, retiring in 1988 with rank of captain.

Surviving are wife, Ellen Byerly Adams; son, David (Jennifer) Adams and daughter, Deborah (Tom) Parr; grandchildren, Jack and Parker Adams, Ian and Isaac Parr.

He was preceded in death by parents, Robert and Vera Adams, brothers, Bill and Johnny and wife, Mary Frances Ramsey Adams.

A memorial service and time of sharing was conducted noon Monday, Dec. 14, at First Presbyterian Church, 215 S. Third St., Smithfield, NC 27577.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Stanford Adams Scholarship Fund at North Carolina State University, Campus Box 8010, Raleigh, NC 27695-8010.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.underwoodfh.com.