Chuck singing in the choir
Walking inside San Quentin’s Chapel on August 10, a visitor watched ushers standing and handing out programs that read “In Loving Memory of Brother Charles ‘Chuck’ Adams— Rejoice in Heaven, Chuck. Dec. 8, 1950 – May 30, 2018.”
Adams was 67 years old.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to find people who are committed,” church elder Derrick Holloway said. “He exemplified what it meant to walk with the Lord.”
The ceremony began with the 21-member Worship Team, to which Adams had belonged, taking the stage while an audience of about 50 inmates stood. They sang This Is Why I Sing.
Incarcerated veterans brought the American and POW-MIA flags into the chapel to honor Adams’ service in the U.S. Air Force.
The mood was solemnly set by the soft melody coming from Albert Flagg on organ and Greg Dixon on bass.
“He was an old country boy who’d be out mentoring,” Holloway said. “There was a depth in his voice that let us know that he was speaking for the Lord. We were all blessed by it. I am so glad that I have known a man like that while on this earth.” Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jackson then eulogized Adams.
The mood was solemnly set by the soft melody coming from Albert Flagg on organ and Greg Dixon on bass.
“He was an old country boy who’d be out mentoring,” Holloway said. “There was a depth in his voice that let us know that he was speaking for the Lord. We were all blessed by it. I am so glad that I have known a man like that while on this earth.” Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jackson then eulogized Adams.
“When I saw him in the hospital, I had a confidence in him,” she said before reading Psalms 23.
Prior to the services, the church clerk, Trent Capell, described Adams as follows:
“He became a father figure for me. He was a man of integrity”
“He made these little pies, and gave them out to people. He’d never sell them. He’d make about four to five a week and give them out. He’d also sew people’s clothes. He sewed mine all the time. He would mentor young men that would be walking around the prison, like orphans. He’d befriend them and share some good old-fashioned wisdom on how to navigate this place from a positive perspective. He’d encourage them to let the church be the foundation of their program.”
Adams was part of a quartet called The Prodigal Sons. The trio sang his favorite song, “Wonderful”, by Sam Cook.
Prior to the services, the church clerk, Trent Capell, described Adams as follows:
“He became a father figure for me. He was a man of integrity”
“He made these little pies, and gave them out to people. He’d never sell them. He’d make about four to five a week and give them out. He’d also sew people’s clothes. He sewed mine all the time. He would mentor young men that would be walking around the prison, like orphans. He’d befriend them and share some good old-fashioned wisdom on how to navigate this place from a positive perspective. He’d encourage them to let the church be the foundation of their program.”
Adams was part of a quartet called The Prodigal Sons. The trio sang his favorite song, “Wonderful”, by Sam Cook.
“I knew Chuck for 15 years,” youth minister Fanon Figgers said. “Being a Christian is more than being in church. Brother Chuck was an example of love to all of us regardless of faith or not.”
“In our prayer circle, he’d always keep his family in prayer.” Chapel clerk Stephen Pascascio added.
Lines that stood out in poetry read by Richard La- than were:
“In our prayer circle, he’d always keep his family in prayer.” Chapel clerk Stephen Pascascio added.
Lines that stood out in poetry read by Richard La- than were:
Heaven take me there /I can be who I want to be /Love who I want to love / Jesus take us as we come.
John Parratt worked in prison industries authority with Adams for three years. He said that Adams read Who Am I, by an unknown writer, every morning.
John Parratt worked in prison industries authority with Adams for three years. He said that Adams read Who Am I, by an unknown writer, every morning.
Now I am just a memory, but if there is a tear in your eye, or a lump in your throat, if you felt a shiver in your spine as you watched me burn, then I will be back. The next time you need me my colors will be fresh and bright, and my edges won’t be ragged anymore.
Several men took the microphone, praising Adams. Many said that when they first met him, there was an air of confusion—several
Several men took the microphone, praising Adams. Many said that when they first met him, there was an air of confusion—several
used the word “peculiar.” However, after recognizing his devotion to God, their hearts opened up.
Here are some of the things said:
–As I got to know him, I realized that he stood on the principles of God.
–Chuck would always encourage me. We’d sit in the dugout and just tell stories. He’d say, “Put your weight on it,” referring to the love given to God.
–He had some powerful things to say, and it was al- ways in a loving spirit. He showed what love is truly is.
–I believe that Chuck is singing right now.
–Chuck brought me a smile every night at the prayer circle. He took a lot of time for the brothers. He had a voice like Sam Cook.
–He used to talk to me after I got out of school. I could talk to Chuck about anything.
“If there was a brother in need of anything, he gave,” minister Darryl Hill said. “He became a father figure for me. He was a man of integrity.”
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https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/san-quentin-news-merchandise/
Here are some of the things said:
–As I got to know him, I realized that he stood on the principles of God.
–Chuck would always encourage me. We’d sit in the dugout and just tell stories. He’d say, “Put your weight on it,” referring to the love given to God.
–He had some powerful things to say, and it was al- ways in a loving spirit. He showed what love is truly is.
–I believe that Chuck is singing right now.
–Chuck brought me a smile every night at the prayer circle. He took a lot of time for the brothers. He had a voice like Sam Cook.
–He used to talk to me after I got out of school. I could talk to Chuck about anything.
“If there was a brother in need of anything, he gave,” minister Darryl Hill said. “He became a father figure for me. He was a man of integrity.”
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https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/sq-veterans-pay-tribute-memorial-day/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/protestant-banquet-honors-chaplain-mardi-jackson/
https://sanquentinnew.wpengine.com/san-quentin-news-merchandise/
