Ernest Washington Adams, Jr., 94, of Frederick County, Virginia died Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

Mr. Adams was born in Gainesboro, Virginia in 1915, the son of the late Ernest Washington Adams, Sr. and Mary Virginia Adams. He is survived by his wife, Georgia Catherine Adams, whom he married on February 24, 1937 in the Bethel Lutheran Church parsonage. The couple celebrated their 72nd anniversary still living at home on the farm where Ernest was born and lived his whole life.

Mr. Adams is survived by two children. He shared his love for agriculture with his son, Ernest Adams III (Buddy), who continues to farm the land which has been in the family for more than two hundred years. He and his wife, Ellen, have three children – E.W. Adams IV, Mark Adams, and Laura Mattia. Ernest had one daughter, Mary Catherine Tudor who makes her home in Warrenton with her husband, R. Roberts Tudor. They have three children – Cynthia Patrick, Tom Tudor, and Mary Tudor. There are nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Adams Unger of Stephens City, VA.

Ernest was preceded in death by two brothers, T.G. Adams and Marcus (M.M.) Adams.

In addition to farm and family, Mr. Adams firmly believed in giving back to the community where he lived. He was designated a Master Farmer by the Virginia Extension Service for practicing high standards in diversified farming, leadership, and citizenship. He and his wife formed a lasting friendship as sponsors for an international 4-H exchange student from Finland.

As an active member of Gainesboro United Methodist Church, Ernest served as trustee, auditor, and a charter member of the Methodist Men of the Gainesboro Charge. He and his wife sponsored the church youth group for many years.

Mr. Adams was a founder and past volunteer firefighter of the Gainesboro Fire Department where he was named Honorary Fire Chief.

Ernest was a founding member of the Gainesboro Ruritan Club where he had perfect attendance for fifty-two years. He served as past president and treasurer. The Ruritan National Foundation honored him with the Tom Downing Fellow Award in appreciation of unselfish personal effort.

A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, November 14th at 10:00 AM in Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel with Rev. Anthony Wadsworth and Rev. William Withers officiating. Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, VA

Pallbearers will be E.W. Adams IV, Mark Adams, J.P. Mattia, Mary R. Tudor, Tom Tudor, and Rob Patrick. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Gainesboro Fire & Rescue Company and Gainesboro Ruritan Club.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O> Box 3271, Winchester, Virginia, 22604 or Gainesboro Fire and Rescue, 221 Gainesboro Road, Winchester, VA 22603.

Sign the guestbook and view obituaries at www.ompsfuneralhome.com