Press Adams

George Presley "Press" Adams, 92, of Richland Springs passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. George Presley Adams was born August 23, 1924 in Richland Springs, the son of W. G. "Pete" and Kate (Lane) Adams. As did his Father and Mother, Press has lived in Richland Springs his entire life. Press' deep roots in Richland Springs began when his Adams ancestors came to Richland Springs from Kentucky in 1875, and his Lane ancestors came to Richland Springs from Tennessee also in 1875. Press graduated from W. H. Gibbons High School, Richland Springs in 1941. The class of 1941, with 46 members, was the largest class to ever graduate from the local high school. While in school, Press was a member of R. J. Powell's livestock judging teams. He also played football for the Coyotes and as a senior was the starting guard and second string running back. He continued to be an avid Coyote fan and member of the Richland Springs Booster Club. He considered himself to be the "No. 1 Coyote Fan". This past football season, Press was very proud his great-grandson, Lane, played on the coyote 6 man State Championship Team. After graduation Press spent a year in San Antonio driving a bulldozer for the Mask Brothers before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1942. He served two tours in the Pacific Theater of War during World War II as a turret gunner on a torpedo bomber. During the first tour, he flew missions from the islands of Guadalcanal, Munda, And Bougainville. In his second tour, he flew missions from the aircraft carrier USS Gilbert Islands. During his time in the Marine Corps he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals. He was discharged in 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Press always stayed in touch with his fellow Marines and attended Marine reunions regularly. After the war, Press returned to Richland Springs and married Bobbie Ruth House on April 3, 1946. Bobbie is also a lifelong resident of San Saba County. Bobbie is the descendant of pioneer families who settled Texas and San Saba County. In 1949, Press began a 31-year career with the United States Postal Service as a Rural Letter Carrier. During these years he was active in the National and State Rural Letter Carriers Associations. He served as Texas State President from July 1976 to July 1978. Today his grandson, Brad, is the letter carrier for this same route. In 1980, Press began a second career as the Chief Tax Appraiser for San Saba County, Central Appraisal District. He retired in 1990. For many years Press and Bobbie raised and showed English Bulldogs. They had five dogs that finished as AKC Champions. At one time, he owned the top male bulldog in the United States. Press is a lifetime member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Richland Springs, where his family has a rich history. His grandfather, W. S. "Billy" Adams, was a charter member of the church and served the church as an Elder. Press has served the church in many capacities, including Board Chairman, Chairman of Pulpit Committees, Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He was currently serving the Church as an Elder and Church Treasurer. As a (Disciples of Christ) member Press was an avid fan of the Texas Christian University Horned Frog football team. For many years he attended football games at TCU as a season ticket holder until he was no longer able to make the trip. Press kept up with the Horned Frogs anytime they were broadcast on TV no matter which sport was playing. Over the years Press also supported Brite Divinity School at TCU. He worked closely with Brite Divinity School to assist in developing young ministers for the Disciples denomination. Press proudly attended his granddaughter's graduation at TCU in 1993. Press was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Mr. & Mrs. A. J. House, brothers, James Adams and Dean Adams, sisters, Millowee Mills and Billie Beth Gaddy, grandson, Wade Shannon, and great-grandson, Gideon Morris. Press is survived by his wife Bobbie (House) Adams, daughters Georganna Sonnenberg and husband Otto, Paula Shannon and husband Troy, grandchildren, Tina McMillan, Brad Shannon and Brandy Benson, and Amanda Sonnenberg. Great-grandchildren, Adrienne Benson, Levi Shannon, Lane Shannon, Presley Ruth Morris, and Piper Shannon. Numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express gratitude to the Veterans Administration Hospital and Clinic in Temple, Texas and the Solaris Hospice Organization for the care that each gave Press over the years. Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church of Richland Springs, PO Box 96, Richland Springs, TX 76871.

Press Adams

August 23, 1924 - July 25, 2017