William H. Adams - A Legacy of Community Service

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William H. “Bill” Adams had a distinguished record of public service at the local and national levels. He was very active in the Columbus Public Schools, volunteering as a member of the Parent Advisory Committee at the East Columbus Elementary School for over sixteen years.  Adams was dedicated to changing the world one child, one neighborhood and one community at a time.

William Adams served many government and civic groups, promoting community pride, neighborhood development, education awareness and crime reduction:
  • Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2015
  • Commissioner, Columbus Recreation and Parks Commission
  • Boy Scouts of America, East Columbus Elementary School, Cub Scouts Pack No.541
  • Columbus Veterans Advisory Board
  • Community Police Advisory Board, City of Columbus Police Department
  • Federal Government AFGE Union Local No. 1148, Federal Government (Retired)
  • East Columbus Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
  • East Fifth Avenue Business Association
  • First Church of God Hospitality Ministry
  • East Columbus Shepard Learning Center, Parent Advisory Committee (PAC CPS)
  • President, Franklinton Kiwanis Club of Columbus, Gladden Community House, and 2012-13 Lt. Governor Elect, Kiwanis International, Ohio Div.
  • Korean War Veterans Association of Central Ohio, Chapter No. 116
  • Non-Violent Columbus Coalition
  • Krumm Park Community Recreation Council (CRC)
On June 8, 2013, the City of Columbus, under the leadership of his good friend Mayor Michael Coleman, renamed the William H. Adams Community Center at Krumm Park in his honor.  On November 5, 2015, he was posthumously inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.  Affectionately known as “Buster” to friends and family, Adams died November 15, 2012, at age 83, leaving behind a legacy of service to his community. 

Honoring Korean War Veterans

Adams Center Dedication

Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame

Bill Adams: Community Champion

Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, November 5, 2015
W. H. Adams Youth Foundation Launch Press Release, May 26, 2014
Recreation Center Renamed to Honor Community Champion, June 8, 2013
Remembering Bill Adams, Eastside Legend, TV-6 Profile, December 2012 
Community Champion Bill Adams, TV-6 Profile Video, September 2012
ABC 6 On Your Side Champions Special, Update, September 2014
Fletcher Lee, Community Champion Lee, Scoutmaster, TV-6 Profile
Honoring Ohio's Korean War Vets, Dept. of Veteran Services, July 27, 2012
Bill Adams Supports Columbus City Council, November 3, 2011
East Columbus Devoted Volunteer, Columbus Call & Post, March 14, 2012
City Attorney Pfeiffer Newsletter, December, 2012
Volunteer Serves Young and Old, Summit Trace Healthcare
Hawaiian Legacy Tree Honors William Adams, November, 2013
William H. Adams Obituary, Columbus Dispatch, November 2012

    Reflections

I realized early on that kids need sports and they need activities that elevate their social skills and self esteem.
- Bill Adams
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Bill Adams was motivated by an unshakable belief in the potential of a neighborhood and its children.
-  Bob Kendrick, WSYX TV-6

​He works really well with all of the children, but he is especially effective with our boys. They look up to him and are eager to be around him. I’m happy he’s around as a role model for our young men.
- Donica Key, School Nurse

Mr. Adams was an amazing individual whose passionate advocacy for veterans, students and neighborhoods was unparalleled.
-  Richard Pfeiffer, Jr., City Attorney