Leroy Charles "Butch" Adams, a man of remarkable character, unwavering dedication, and a profound love for his family and community, transitioned on June 2, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan. He was 83 years old.

Born on October 27, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Leroy was born to Josephine Freeman and William Craig. He was raised by Charles Leroy Adams, Sr. and Josephine Freeman Adams. After the passing of his mother at the age of 12, he lived briefly with his aunt and uncle, Leola and Jesse White, and later with his sister and brother-in-law, Erma Jean and Charles Jefferson until his high school graduation.

Leroy graduated from the Historic Dunbar High School in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, with the Class of 1960. His passion for football shone brightly at Langston University, where he was a starter in his sophomore year and earned all-league honors in his junior and senior years. In 1963, he was initiated into the Phi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Langston University in 1964.

His professional football career began in 1965 with the Joliet Chargers Professional Football Club, where he was an outstanding player, earning "first team" all-conference honors each year until 1971. He then signed with the Chicago Owls and continued to be recognized as a "first team" all-league player. Leroy concluded his minor league career with the Rockford, IL Rams. His exceptional talent and contributions to the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the American Football Association Hall of Fame on June 24, 2000, in Canton, Ohio.

Leroy was married to Alice Marie Caldwell, and together they raised three children: Richard Burton Adams, Lance Grange Adams, and Lori Gervaiz Adams (Simon) in Joliet, Illinois. He was the co-owner of the legendary A & C Barbeque with his In-laws Siebert and Mary Caldwell. In 1983, he moved his family to Okemos, Michigan. Later in life, he welcomed a son, Lawton James Adams, with Linda Dale.
Leroy was a devoted father and grandfather, mentor, coach, and the epitome of a protector and provider, embodying dignity and nobility as he raised his family as a single father.

Beyond the football field, Leroy dedicated his professional life to education and mentorship. He served as a teacher, athletic director, and coach for various institutions, including the Illinois Department of Corrections (Sheridan Industrial School for Boys), Illinois Reception & Diagnostic Center for Juveniles, Stateville Correctional Center as Leisure Time Service Director and Activity Program Supervisor); The Ingham County School Districts (Grand Ledge, Holt, Lansing, Williamston), where he worked as a substitute teacher and athletic coach. He retired from the Michigan Department of Corrections, Handlon Michigan Training Unit in Ionia, Michigan, as a teacher of Reading, Mathematics, and English.

Leroy's commitment extended to his community, where he volunteered as Head Coach at Williamston High School, DefensiveCoordinator for the Bath Cardinals in the Michigan Charity Football League, and with the Okemos Recreational League and Habitatfor Humanity in Lansing. His passions included football, chess, and dominoes, activities he pursued with great enthusiasm. Heshared a special weekly chess game with his friend Mervyn Draper.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Erma Jean Jefferson, Linda Gaston, Charlene Lovelace, and Earline Walker; his brothers Percy Craig, Jr. and Clayven Smith; and his son Lance Adams.

Leroy leaves to cherish his indelible legacy his daughter, Lori Adams Simon [Scott] of Lansing, MI; his sons, Richard Adams ofConcord, CA, and Lawton Adams of Lansing, MI; his grandchildren: Aliya Do [Mike], Imran Ahmad, Lucas Adams, Lydia Adams, Langston Adams, Jovani Chavez, Ivan Chavez, and his special granddaughter whom he affectionately referred to as "Little One," Sophia Simon; his brothers: Charlie Adams, Jr. of CA, James Edward Adams (Kim) of San Jose, CA, Elbert Craig, Sr. (Rosie) of Spencer, Oklahoma, Henry Craig of Oklahoma City, OK; his sisters: Betty Corley of Tulsa, OK, Nadine Craig of Spencer, Diane Burrough [Kenneth], Carlotta Davis [Carl] Colleen Craig of Midwest City, OK, and Carolyn Craig of Langston, OK; his maternal aunts: Bernice Jones and and Marie Turner; special brother-in-law, Charles Jefferson of Okmulgee, OK, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Leroy Charles "Butch" Adams will be remembered for his strength, his dedication to his family, his impactful career, and his enduring spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him

Mr. Leroy Charles Adams, in his 83rd Season, Dozed Into Eternal Rest on June 2, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan.

Services for Mr. Adams will commence on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM inside the Chapel of Peace of Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., - Okmulgee.