Obituary of Reginald MacKenzie Adams

Reginald MacKenzie Adams, 100, of Syracuse, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Menorah Park in Syracuse. He was born November 13, 1924, in Stamford, CT, to Roderick Peter Adams and Agnes Galloway Higgins Adams. His parents were immigrants from Scotland. He graduated from South Park High School, Buffalo, New York, in 1943 Reginald served three years in the US Navy in the Pacific Theater for World War II from 1943-46. He survived combat as a signalman on a Landing Craft Infantry Mortar (LCIM) ship. He was present at the invasions of Leyte in the Philippines and Okinawa. Reginald received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign, Victory, World War II, the American Campaign, and the Honorable Service medals. With the help of the G.I. Bill, Reginald obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts from Syracuse University. In 1950, he became an art teacher, mainly in Central New York elementary and middle schools. He married Elsie Ann Adams on August 15, 1953, in Phoenix NY, and their family eventually settled in Manlius. They were married for 68 years until her passing in 2021. In 1984, he retired from Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School. After his retirement, Reginald volunteered at Manlius Public Library alongside Elsie Ann Adams. He went on to teach art lessons at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, Menorah Park Center for Senior Living in Syracuse, and Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango. He created art until his final days, making and sharing collages, papier-mâché animals, mobiles, sculptures, and more. Reginald described his philosophy of teaching to Syracuse.com in 1991: “It's an idea that I tell them that they can't make a mistake. My whole life is art. I enjoy teaching, to watch the reaction of people that I talk to." He is survived by his two sons, Bruce MacKenzie (Annie) Adams of Urbana, IL and Robert Douglas (Kathy) Adams of Winnabow, NC; and three grandchildren, Lindsay Larue, Nicolette Baker, and Taylor Adams. There are no calling hours. Contributions in Reginald’s memory may be made to the Manlius Senior Activity Centre online at http://www.manliusseniors.org. To leave a message of sympathy for the Adams family, please visit www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com