‘Ace’ Adams

Clarence Ernest “Ace” Adams, 86, died Saturday, October 16, 2010, from complications related to Alzheimer’s.

A native of Danielsville, he served in the Army Air Corps as a B-25 pilot during World War II. Following the war, he earned a degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech in 1949, where he was a member of the IIKA Fraternity. Upon graduation he began a career in the insurance industry, working for insurance companies in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, eventually achieving the position of VP in charge of underwriting. He became a partner of Lanier Upshaw Insurance Agency of Lakeland, Fla., in 1967. He received the designation of Chartered Property and Casual Underwriters (CPCU). He retired in 1990. In 2006 he relocated to Gainesville, Fla.

He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, where he served faithfully in many capacities. His community service included chairman of the Property and Compensation Committee of Florida Methodist Annual Conference, member of Sertoma and Kiwanis clubs; member of the Health Council of West Central Florida and President of the Polk County Association of Insurance Agents. He enjoyed several hobbies including woodworking, bridge, rose gardening and photography.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Harriette McPhaul Adams; daughters and sons-in-law, Kitty and Ken Smith, Acworth, Barbara and Brad Beach, Norcross; sons and daughters-in-law, Neal Adams and Gwen Creel, Gainesville, Fla., Scott and Shannon Adams, Leonardtown, Md.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Catherine Adams Lombardo; and brothers, James Stephens Adams, Thomas Marvin Adams and Edmund Ivan Adams.