Russell Victor Adams

Russell Victor Adams, affectionately known as Russ, RV, Sweetie, Adams, Son, Bro, Uncle, Daddy, Dad, Pop-Pop and Granddad, was born October 12,1950 in Washington, D.C., oldest son of John and Gertrude Adams. Russ fought a good fight and through it all he remained strong and steadfast until the end. On May 29, 2024 he laid his burdens down and transitioned to Glory at the age of 73 in LaPlata, MD. Russ was educated in the D.C. Public School system and was excellent in math, science, history, just to name a few and received many awards at graduation. A few years after school he married, Rosetta Prue (preceded in death) and from their union they had two awesome children, Taneeya and Russell, Jr. Years later, he married Taryn McNeil, and they both retired and started traveling and going on cruises and traveled the world. Also, they groomed & trained two Boerboel Dogs (Holly & Dharby), parrots & birds. Russ enjoyed animals too so making them a part of the family was easy. Russ always had an effervescent smile and lived a joy-filled life and was a hard worker. He left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Russ had an intellect that was unbelievable and shared his wisdom and knowledge with his parents, siblings, children, family, friends and others he met along the way. He was sharp and knowledgeable about any subject matter with a maturity of an old man but was young at heart. He was blessed to be able to use both hands to right, draw, paint, build, etc. and his skill sets at work and play were remarkable. He was full of life, fun loving, strong in body and spirit, a straight shooter, loved everybody and always there when you needed him. Please enjoy reading about Russell’s life and accomplishments below: Early life – Russell was always industrious. At age 11-14 he had a paper route where he delivered the Washington Post newspaper ‘come rain or shine’. During the November 1964 2-foot blizzard, his mother tried to stop him from delivering newspapers until the DC government cleared the streets, much to his chagrin !!! He built doll houses for his daughter and sister that were truly remarkable and displayed his unique abilities. Russell was a dedicated member of the Ward Memorial A.M.E. Church cub scout & boy scout troop starting at age 8 and participated until the age of 16. He attained the rank of “Eagle Scout,” which is one of the highest achievements that a boy scout can attain and additionally also earned 33 merit badges. He participated in the boy scout’s annual jamboree at the University of MD Cole Field House, where they put their survival and tent building skills on display for the public in attendance. High School Years – Russell briefly played for the Anacostia High School football team as a linebacker before he sustained a dislocated hip during a league game. Needless to say, he was tremendously disappointed that he was unable to continue his high school football career because of the injury. Subsequently, he channeled his football knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport by developing a local sports league with the youngsters in the neighborhood. This football league was extremely rewarding for him and established him as a leader in the community. One of his other pursuits was roller skating. At age 15 he formed a neighborhood roller skating club called the Rolling Matadors. He designed the club’s green and gold colored emblem and skated as much as his schedule would allow at the Kalorama Road skating rink in Washington DC. Spiritual Life – Russell attended the Ebenezer Weekend Men’s Retreat with his late father John and brother Rodney in the early 1990’s. He joined the church and rededicated his life to Jesus Christ at that event. Musical Enjoyment - Russell was an outgoing individual who loved socializing, dancing and entertaining. Go-Go bands, Eddie Kendrick and the Young Senators were among his favorites. He looked forward to attending the yearly Capital Jazz Cruise and Festival, where he would go to great lengths to set up tents and prepare an assortment of foods for friends and family. His excitement could not be contained when his favorite performers, War and smooth jazz artist Brian Culbertson took the stage. Health and Strength – Russell was a physical fitness enthusiast. Although he was naturally extraordinarily strong, he developed a bench press of 325 lbs. and loved working out at the gym. Additionally, he was extremely interested in track and field activities and participated in the Anacostia High School track team where he excelled in the 100-meter dash and competed at the Penn Relays. He briefly participated in amateur boxing as well. Gifts and Talents - Russell had a plethora of natural gifts and talents. Without any formal training he had the gift of being an artist. During his lifetime he has created paintings and drawings that have been showcased in his and other family members’ houses. He was accepted into an art school in Florida and seriously considered a career in drafting, but, coming out of high school, his draft status was high during the Vietnam War, and he decided to accept the governmental war deferment and entered the Police Academy. Police Academy & Police Force – After graduating from Anacostia High School in 1968, Russell joined the police academy at age 17 ½. He was a police cadet for 2 years and then qualified as a police officer at age 20. He started out working with the taxicab drivers, enforcing policies, procedures, and regulations. He was also given the responsibility of driving the Metropolitan Police Commissioner around because of his excellent driving skills. He continued to serve in the Police Force until age 24. Metro Career – In January,1974, he joined the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). He began his career as a bus operator. Always looking forward, he then moved on to the position of Rail Station Manager and then to Train Operator. From there, he quickly moved through the ranks in the Rail Department as a Controller, Assistant Superintendent and retired in his final position as Superintendent. His advice and guidance was highly regarded during critical times that occurred during his tenure with the organization. Extra-Curricular Activities – Russell loved his local sports teams. Especially the Washington Capitals and his beloved Washington Redskins (Commanders) Pro Football team. During the “golden era” of their five Super Bowl appearances (1973, 1983, 1984, 1988, 1992), Russell knew the team rosters and team strategy better than some of the coaches. He frequently attended games in person with his family members. Tax Business – Russell studied to become a Notary Public and tax preparer. Starting with H&R Block, he later branched out to join with Paul Sinclair to develop and establish their firm “Adams Sinclair and Associates.” They practiced in the local area for many years to many satisfied clients. Mechanical & Engineering Abilities – Russell routinely performed maintenance on his and his family members’ automobiles at no cost. He also became a motorcycle enthusiast and actually worked part-time as a motorcycle mechanic as well. He enjoyed attending the Aquasco Motor Speedway events, racing his souped-up mustang on their racetrack in friendly competition. Always willing to help others in need - Russell was a bed-rock personality in our family. Whenever family members, friends or associates needed help, they would reach out to him for his expansive knowledge on many subjects, be it legal, financial, or otherwise. He was a trusted resource for help and support. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Taryn U. Adams; one daughter, Taneeya Valentine-Wood (Timothy); one son, Russell Adams, Jr. (Ebony); many grandchildren and great grandchildren; one sister, Gale V. Adams; one brother, Rodney Adams (Paula); two half sisters; Stephanie Stanback (Kenneth), Felicia Strong (Clayton, Jr.); one stepmother, Mabel Adams (John Adams, preceded in death); four sisters-in-law; Leonarda Ferrebee, Kimberly Huff, Bernadette Thornwell, Supharat (Tik) Townes; one brother-in-law, Leonard Townes; and many nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Russell Victor Adams

October 12, 1950 - May 29, 2024