Raymond Edward Adams Jr., 69, of Ashland, Missouri passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in his sleep on Oct. 4, 2019. Ray was wrapping up the trip of a lifetime while spending a relaxing retirement vacation camping and fishing in Colorado with his brother-in-law, Danny Jacobs. He was born on April 16th, 1950 at St. Francis Hospital in Washington, Missouri to Raymond Edward and Doris Mae (Scheer) Adams. Ray graduated from South West High School in St. Louis, Missouri in 1968. He attended the University of Missouri and Meramac Community College in St. Louis studying business administration. He was a member of the Missouri Army National Guard. 

Ray married Sharon Lee Jacobs in Columbia, Missouri on November 4th, 1972 after a short seven-month romance. They were by each other’s side from that day forward. Together, they proudly raised daughter, Jessica Elise and granddaughter, Mikaela Jade.

Ray developed American Sports Plex in Columbia, Missouri in 1980. He continued his passion of owning and running this sports complex 12 years. He then pursued his career in business administration with Coca Cola Enterprises, retiring in 2012 then reentered the work force with 3M Corporation until retirement on July 3rd, 2019 to simply enjoy life from the front porch swing.

Ray and Sharon purchased their own piece of paradise in Englewood, Missouri in 1986 where they raised their family. Ray was known as an honest, hard-working, family man. He was always willing to help others, no matter what the circumstances. He enjoyed working around his farm, fishing every chance he had and making memories around a campfire. Ray could smile through the hard times and celebrate all of the good times. He left this life far too early but will be remembered by the lifetime of lessons and happy memories left for his family and friends to embrace.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Doris Adams. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Jessica Adams Ward (Jeff); granddaughter, Mikaela Adams-Lasater; sisters Sharon Berlener (Ray); Diana Davis (Jack), along with a number of treasured nieces, nephews and close friends. Also mourning his passing is brother-in-law Daniel Jacobs (Lane), who adored spending time with Ray.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Englewood, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the contributions may be made to Englewood Community Club or Johnson Cemetery supporting the maintenance and upkeep of these historical footprints of Englewood, Missouri where Ray proudly called home for 33 years. Memorial contributions can be made to Sharon L. Adams.