The Reverend David Livingston Adams

The Rev. David Livingston Adams died peacefully January 24, 2025, at nearly 92 years old, ending a decade-long struggle with dementia. He was born in Pace, Florida, and was the fourth child to Oscar Lonnie and Ida Elizabeth Adams. He was a “surprise” to the family. His sister, Katrina Cowley, and brothers, Oscar Lonnie and Wallace, were 17, 14 and 10 years older, respectively.

David lived a long, adventurous life as a United Methodist missionary and pastor. Before entering the mission field, he served churches in Pensacola and Tennessee while pursuing his undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennesse. In 1959, he began his ministry in Bolivia, leading local churches and teaching at the American Institute in Cochabamba and La Paz.

After returning to the United States, David earned a master’s in systematic theology from Boston University before becoming a member of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. For the next 37 years, he served the conference as pastor of local congregations and from 1990 to 1995 directed the conference mission's ministry as a member of the Florida Conference Council on Ministries staff. His heart was always for the marginalized, and he treated everyone with respect, even those with whom he disagreed. 

David did not embark on his life-long call to ministry alone, however. His wife, Carole Irene (Bullock), was by his side, serving with him. As the daughter of a Baptist minister and, like David, having earned a master’s in systematic theology from Vanderbilt University, where she and David met in 1955, she was a true partner in all things. Their relationship was built on a shared faith, deep love and respect, and a life-long commitment to faithfulness. They were married 68 years.

Following his retirement from full-time pastoral ministry in 1997, David began his next call to ministry building houses for Habitat for Humanity in Lakeland, Florida, earning volunteer of the year during his tenure. He was known to be meticulous with the work and not satisfied if things were not “done right,” treating each house as if it were his own. At one home, after volunteers painted over the hinges on all the doors, he led his team to remove them all, strip the paint from the hinges and rehang the doors. He was often the finisher, ensuring everything was done as professionally as possible and that the house was ready for the family who would make it their home. 

David also loved to teach. Before being called to the mission field, he was preparing for a career as a professor of religion. He returned to that first love during his retirement, teaching adult classes at College Heights United Methodist Church in Lakeland and challenging members to think deeply about their faith and call to live a Christ-like life. He advocated for the poor and vulnerable and wrote many letters to the editor of his local newspaper to call out the injustices he saw taking place in his community, the state and around the country.

To his children and their spouses, he was a gentle and loving father who instilled in them a broader world view and a belief in the worth and dignity of all people. They and his grandchildren will miss his wisdom, integrity, the fun-loving side he didn’t often let people see and his comforting hugs. 

David is predeceased by his sons Jonathan and Andrew and his daughter-in-law Julie (Varela) Adams. He is survived by his wife, Carole, and their daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and the Rev. Ivan Corbin and Elizabeth “Tita” and Tom Parham; daughter-in-law Shauna Adams; grandchildren Killian Hiltz, Chris Adams, Chris and Portia (Hurney) Corbin, Rachel (Corbin) and Nick Williams, Ben and Hannah (Boozan) Adams, Mary (Adams) and Ken Jones, Miranda Adams, and Phoenix and Stephanie Corbin; and great grandchildren Kenny Jones, Louisa “Louie” and Amelia “Millie” Corbin, Austin and Aidan Williams, and Georgia Adams.

A memorial service celebrating David’s life and ministry will be held March 28, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at College Heights United Methodist Church, 942 South Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33803. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Habitat for Humanity International and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.