Dwight "Hoss" Adams

Dwight "Hoss" Adams passed away on June 26, 2016 at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 83. Dwight is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jo, whom he loved dearly and credited his success in life to marrying the right lady. There is not a more fun life than to be a football coach's child; his children, Jana(Guy) Teeter of Tillar, Arkansas, Scott (Jayne Allaire) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Babe Ruth (Bill) Free of Stuttgart, Arkansas. He taught them to love life, always look people in the eye and take pride in every job you do. The same person that raised his children was not the same person that his four grandchildren called him "Granddaddy." He is survived by Lacey Wickline of Houston, Texas, Rankin Teeter of Tillar, Arkansas, Shelby Free of Fayettville, Arkansas and Sydney Free of Stuttgart, Arkansas. He loved them tremendously, taught them important life lessons and told them many stories that will be a legacy to their children. He was so proud that his children and grandchildren, with the exception of one because she just finished her freshman year at the University of Arkansas, all had college degrees. Dwight is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jan (Vaughn) McQuary, nieces Kathy (Scott) Rook, Courtney (David) Traylor and nephew, Drew (Laura Beth) Baxter all of Little Rock. He was born in Dover, Arkansas on August 2, 1931 or 1932-he never was sure. He was orphaned at the age of five and raised in the Arkansas Children's Home which is now the Arkansas Children's Hospital. Luckily, Ruth Beall, the director of the Home, paid special attention to him, offered him guidance and taught him many lessons in life. Throughout his high school career he was lucky to have someone else that kept any eye on him and that was his coach, Wilson Matthews. He graduated in 1950 and joined the United States Marine Corps. He served his country proudly in the Korean War; he served as an aide to Admiral C. Turner Joy at the United Nations Peace Conference. Returning home, he enrolled at Henderson State Teachers College where he played football and was selected as an All Conference/All State player. This is where he met the love of his life, the Homecoming Queen "Baby Jo" Bickham of Tillar. They were married in 1958. After graduating from Henderson his high school football coaching career took him to Bearden, Smackover, El Dorado, Pine Bluff and Lake Charles, Louisiana. In 1966 Red Parker offered him a job to coach football and track at The Citadel. He was thrilled to be transitioning to the college football ranks. In 1973, Coach Parker was hired at Clemson University where Dwight coached outside linebackers. He stayed at Clemson until 1978 with Charley Pell. When Coach Pell was hired at the University of Florida in 1979, he accepted the most defining job of his coaching career when he was named the first Special Teams Coordinator in college football. Known for his grit and growl, he was a favorite among coaches and players. In 1985, he proceeded to the pro football ranks when he went to work for the San Diego Chargers as a College Football Scout. Dwight finished his career with the Buffalo Bills serving as Vice President of Player Personnel. He retired from the NFL after in 2014 after 28 years. "Hoss" had many accomplishments in his coaching and scouting career. He coached Bears, Buckaroos, Wildcats, Mustangs, Zebras, Bulldogs, Tigers and Gators, but what he treasured most were the relationships he developed with all people , especially his players, associated with the game of life. Dwight was an active member of the Dumas First United Methodist Church. He credited God with his many bessings. When he moved back to Tillar, he became a member of the Walnut Lake Golf team sharing stories and laughs but never losing more than a dollar. He is in the Pro Scout Hall of Fame, a Distinguished Alumni of Henderson State University and a member of the Walk of Fame at Henderson State University. In 2015, he was elected in the Arkansas Hall of Fame which he and his family celebrated. He took great pride in his appearance often receiving jabs for his impeccable style. From humble beginnings to the Super Bowl, Dwight never forgot where he came from insisting that his children give everyone respect regardless of their station in life and always thank God for what you have been given. Coach Adams was often considered "larger than life." It was never an act he put on for anyone. He loved life and he loved people. There will never be another one like him. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 28 from 5-7 at the Dumas First United Methodist Church. The Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, June 29 at Dumas First United Methodist Church at 2 with a reception to follow at 302 South College at the Adams home. Memorials can be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2222, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 or to the Dumas First United Methodist Church, 230 Court Street, Dumas, Arkansas 71639. Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas online registry www.griffinfh.com.