Stephen Adams

Stephen Curtis Adams, a scientist, philosopher, and beloved brother, crossed the threshold on November 18. While he is no longer in the physical world, we—brothers Laurie and Kevin, Kevin’s wife Patricia, sister Alecia, and niece Eva—are certain his spirit will permeate us in true Steve fashion until the end of time.

Born on September 5, 1951, Steve suffered from poor health since birth, but his ability to weather everything and still sport that signature smile when he saw us always was and will continue to be an inspiration. And in just one example of where he physically defied his health, as a teenager he managed to climb—without gear of any kind—high up a vertical rock wall in Palo Duro Canyon in Texas. He had to be rescued when he couldn’t get back down, but we’ll save that story for the memorial service.

Steve was renowned for his intellect. To say that he was an educated man would be like saying the Pope has read the Bible. He studied at North Carolina State University, Pfeiffer College, Ball State University, Guilford College, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and no doubt a bunch of other institutions we don’t know about. When he wasn’t educating himself, he educated others, teaching geology at Guilford Community College. And he taught each of us in ways both practical and spiritual.

Steve’s knowledge of geology and mineralogy was rock-solid, as was his love for puns. He was well known in the mineralogy world. In addition to rocks and minerals, Steve loved classical music, literature, philosophy, waterfalls, and saltshakers.

Among Steve’s numerous accomplishments was authoring The Wizard of Oz as a Parable , the first of what would have been many books with big words had he the chance to write them.

Steve was an inspirational, valued member of the Gurdjieff Foundation of Eastern North Carolina, which studies the ideas of philosopher George Ivanovich Gurdjieff. He was interested in pursuing the nature of Reality, the reality of Being. For over ten years he made himself available to guide others in their search.

Steve was predeceased by our mother, Phoebe Lorretta Adams, and our father, Billy Crotts Adams. He is survived by us and a library of over 400 books that we aren’t smart enough to understand. Always looking out for his family, Steve donated the library to the Gurdjieff Foundation so we wouldn’t have to deal with it.

For us, Steve’s greatest contribution was his childlike fascination with everything around him and his devotion to his family. He taught us to delight in the small things and to put family above all else.

We welcome friends and family to pay loving tribute to Steve on Wednesday, November 23, at Briggs Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 103 East Salisbury Street, Denton, NC. Service begins at noon.

Before he passed, Steve told us that in lieu of flowers, he would prefer a charitable donation made in his honor. He listed Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina and The Gurdjieff Foundation of Eastern North Carolina as those dear to him.