Walter Curtis Adams, Jr., affectionately known as “Wally,” passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 67. A lifelong resident of Bath County, Wally was known for his radiant smile, generous spirit, and his unmatched ability to build, fix, and figure out just about anything. His passing leaves a deep and lasting void in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know and love him.

Born on April 29, 1958, in Hot Springs, Virginia, Wally was the son of the late Walter Curtis Adams Sr. and Thelma Geraldine Rucker Adams. He carried on his family’s legacy of hard work and integrity passed down to him, becoming the former owner of Adams Construction. Over the course of his life, Wally left his mark on Bath County—transforming the land through timber work, excavation, and construction. Most recently, he worked as a heavy equipment operator for F.C. Plecker and Sons Construction, where he was respected not only for his skill, but for the camaraderie and positivity he brought to every job site.

Wally was a true outdoorsman. He loved deer and bear hunting, fishing, cutting timber, and living close to the land. One of his proudest personal accomplishments was building his own home—a beautiful log cabin, crafted entirely by hand, using timber harvested from his own farmland. It was a perfect reflection of his self-sufficiency, craftsmanship, and pride in his roots.

Family was Wally’s greatest treasure. He is survived by his three children: Ryan Lindsay, Mathew Adams, and Kimberly Adams. He played a pivotal role in Ryan’s motocross career, traveling across the country to attend races—sharing some of the most meaningful moments of his life. His support, encouragement, and presence during those years left an indelible mark on both father and son.

Wally’s personality was bright, magnetic, and unforgettable. He was the kind of man who always wore a smile, never hesitated to lend a hand, and approached every challenge with curiosity and creativity. Whether it was excavation, construction, electrical, plumbing, or you name it—if something needed fixing, Wally could do it. He was, to many, the most self-reliant and resourceful man they’d ever met. He lived by values of honesty, kindness, hard work, and deep generosity—values that defined both his character and his legacy.

Wally was a former member of Eden United Methodist Church and, in recent years, attended Life Line Ministries and Virginia Chapel Church, where his faith continued to grow and guide him.

Details regarding Wally’s memorial service will be shared with the community as soon as possible. In the meantime, his family invites friends, neighbors, and all whose lives he touched to remember Wally for the extraordinary man he was—a devoted father, a master of his craft, and a true friend whose legacy lives on in the land he worked and the people he loved.

Dear Dad,

Words will never fully capture the extent of what your existence on this earth meant to me. You chose me, and for so long, it felt like all we had was each other, which was always more than enough. You shaped me into the man I am—through your wisdom, your strength, and the quiet way you led by example.

From our talks, your stories, and the countless life lessons tucked into every day we spent together; your presence will live on in everything I do. I promise to approach life with an open heart, an open mind, and a deep desire to make you proud.

I’ll never forget your 4 a.m. mornings, your 7 p.m. nights—the kind of days only a truly hardworking man could endure without complaint. I see now the sacrifices you made to keep my spirit alive, to bring light into my world day after day.

I would give anything to hear you call me “buddy” just one more time. I take comfort in knowing you’re free, no longer confined by pain or struggle. You deserve peace, the purest kind.

I love you, Pops, with everything in me. Until our souls meet again.

~ Ryan