Robert Adams Obituary

Robert Parker Adams was born November 19, 1937, in Jacksonville, FL to William Jefferson Adams, Jr. and Myrtle Mae Parker Adams. Mr. Adams passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the age of 87, having enjoyed a long and fruitful life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Mary Orr Adams.

Left to cherish his legacy are his wife, Sherri Mancil Adams; one brother, Paul Adams and wife Carol; one sister, Alice Lusk and husband Marshall; sister-in-law, Ann Israel and husband Tommy; brother-in-law Scot Mancil and wife Susan; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation to celebrate his life will be held from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 at Chancellor Funeral Home, Florence, MS.

Robert Parker Adams has practiced architecture in Jackson since 1967, having received the first certification by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards ever issued in the State of Mississippi. Adams was educated in the Jackson Public School system, followed by Millsaps College and Mississippi State, receiving his terminal degree in Architecture from Auburn University and undertaking graduate study with the Harvard Graduate School of Design and Goucher College.

Adams has received the Master of Arts in Historic Preservation, and as such is the only principal architect in Mississippi with that distinction. He was honored with a doctoral degree from Millsaps College for his work in historic preservation. His interest in preservation has led to a number of successful restoration projects, including work on The Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, both Old and New Capital Buildings in Mississippi, The Eudora Welty House, The Mississippi War Memorial Building, and a number of county courthouses, churches, and other public buildings.

Adams has received design awards for restoration and adaptive reuse of the Greyhound Bus Station, for Oakland Chapel at Alcorn University, as well as those noted above. In addition, he designed over 150 local banks including BankPlus and Deposit Guaranty.

Bob restored and resided in Fountainhead, Mississippi’s only Frank Lloyd Wright designed residence. He has received a number of other awards, including the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, conferred for his body of work in historic preservation.

Bob also served in the U.S. Army, receiving the US Army commendation medal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a project dear to Mr. Adams, the preservation/restoration fund of Rodney Presbyterian Church. Checks may be sent to: RHPS P. O. Box 312, Lorman, MS 39096 or online by visiting www.rodneyhistory.org.