Clarence Maxwell "Max" Adams

Clarence Maxwell “Max” Adams was born on December 5, 1929, to Horace Jackson Adams and Lillian Marie Peel Adams in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1946, the family moved to Kirbyville, Texas. Following high school, Max worked briefly for the Texas Highway Department and later for Modern Cleaners in Jasper. In early 1948, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving one year in the Universal Military Training Program aboard the USS Orleck (DD-886) and the USS Perkins (DD-876). He subsequently served six years in the Naval Reserves. In 1950, Max returned to Kirbyville and began working for Slack Supply on daily routes throughout surrounding counties, selling candy, tobacco, and sundries. Max was married to LaRue Chandler (1951-1979) and had four children. He was a charter member of Central Baptist Church in Kirbyville where he was an ordained deacon and served faithfully for almost three decades. In 1965, Max and his older brother, Robert, purchased Slack Supply and renamed it Adams Supply. Together, they successfully served businesses across East Texas—from Silsbee to San Augustine—for nearly 35 years. Max met Elaine Hardy Williams of New Waverly on a blind date. They were married on September 12, 1980, at Elkins Baptist Church and over the years, they lived in several east and central Texas communities. In Bryan/College Station, Max purchased and operated a Little Debbie Cakes franchise. In 2001, they moved to Georgetown, where Max drove a bus for CARTS (Capital Area Rural Transportation System), where, at 70+, he transported “elderly passengers” to medical appointments and on errands. He deeply enjoyed the friendships and conversations that came with serving others. In 2008, Max and Elaine fulfilled a long-time dream by traveling the United States in their fifth-wheel RV for five years, ending up in the Lewisville area. Max worked at Target—learning computer skills for the job application—and later served as a monitor on the special needs school bus for Frisco ISD. While living in Temple, he worked for Belton ISD as an elementary school crossing guard, a role he cherished. Max celebrated his 90th birthday in December 2019 at Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church, surrounded by family and friends. Soon after, Max finally retired and he and Elaine returned to Georgetown, choosing to live in another fifth-wheel RV (this one, permanently affixed). Max enjoyed walking in the RV park and meeting new people wherever he went. In mid-2025, as his health declined, Max and Elaine moved to an assisted living facility in Round Rock, where he continued to form meaningful friendships. After a series of illnesses, Max passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2025, at the age of 96. Max was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Elaine Wright (Tom); his brothers Robert Adams (Dorothy) and Ronnie Adams (Sherry).

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Elaine Adams; his children Joseph Maxwell “Joe Max” Adams (Donna), Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Adams Youngblood (Richard), Karen R. Hadley, Sarah K. “Sibby” Adams, John Williams (Samantha), and Debbie Williams. Additionally, he is survived by seven grandchildren, Jessica Lynn Simpson (Brian), Casey Joseph Adams (Courtney), Kathryn Anne Youngblood Poland, Scott Adam Youngblood (Jennifer), Rachel G. Hadley, Meredith Williams, and Matthew Williams; and twelve great-grandchildren, including Marshall Kennedy; Harper, Henry, and Charlie Joseph Simpson; Peyton, Max, and Beckett Adams; McKinlea, Kennedy, and Johnny Poland; Abby Youngblood; and Justyn Sanchez. Honorary pall bearers are Tommy Wright, Bobby Adams, Casey Adams, Scott Youngblood, Brian Simpson, Matthew Williams, and Dennis McNaughton. Max loved meeting people and forming lasting friendships. A devoted Christian, he lived a life of service to his Lord and others. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Graveside service for friends and family will be held at Hill Cemetery in New Waverly on January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Weir Community Church in Weir on January 31 at 11:00 a.m.