MSgt Charles L. Adams, US Air Force Ret.

MSgt Charles L. Adams, US Air Force Ret., age 91 of Gulfport, MS, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Sara Frances Fink Adams; his parents, R.S. “Bud” Adams and Roxie Ballew Adams; and his siblings, Wilma Jean Watson and Carolyn Kiltz.

Charles is survived by his loving daughter, Julie (Lynn) Desporte; his step grandson, Charlie (Jamie) Desporte; his step granddaughter, Laura Desporte and her three daughters, Elise, Lila, and Vivienne; his sister, Linda (Richard) White; and numerous nieces, nephews and close family friends.

Charles was born in Oak Grove, Texas, and raised in DeKalb, Texas, where he graduated from DeKalb High School. After high school, he moved to California and worked alongside his uncle in the concrete business. He later enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably for three years, before continuing his military career in the United States Air Force. After a few short tours of duty one including Scotland, Charles and Fran came to Keesler Air Force Base in 1962. Their love of Biloxi grew, and it became their home for the rest of their lives. Charles proudly served in the Air Force for 20 years, retiring after decades of dedicated and honorable service to his country.

While stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Charles attended night classes at the University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Campus, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education. Following his military retirement, he briefly worked at Ingalls Ship Building before beginning a 20-year career with Litton/Northrop Grumman. Even after retiring from Litton, his strong work ethic continued as he took on a consulting position with Omni Engineering in Gautier, where he worked well into his seventies.

Charles was a devoted family man and a quintessential handyman. He was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, and took great pride in maintaining a meticulous yard. He loved fishing with his neighbor and never hesitated to travel to the Houston area to help his daughter and son-in-law with home repairs and improvements. After faithfully caring for and supporting his wife through a long illness, Charles moved to the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport. There, he embraced the camaraderie, relaxed lifestyle, and formed lasting friendships.

Charles was the epitome of a Southern gentleman, marked by quiet strength, kindness, and integrity. He had a way of making people feel valued and respected, and he will be remembered as an honorable man who lived a life of service, dedication, and grace.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. After the graveside service, family and friends are invited back to the funeral home to continue with lunch and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity or church of your choice. Wounded Warriors, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and MD Anderson Cancer Center were a few of Charles’s favorites.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .