On October 11, 1937, Edwin Leon (Sonny) Adams was born in Meridian, Mississippi. His parents, Leon (Leonard) D., Adams, Sr. and Ethel Mae Mesley Ramey, proceeded him in death. Edwin was raised in Meridian by his grandmother Geneva Love Stewart. He moved to St. Louis, Missouri to attend High School while living with his Aunt and Uncle Mary and Thomas Love. While attending Sumner High School, he participated in Navy ROTC and the school band. He enjoyed the opportunities provided. The experience of traveling with the band planted the seed for a lifelong love of travel and adventure. After completing high school, Edwin joined the Navy. As Sonny continued to mature, he enjoyed travel both in and out of the service. He never met a stranger. Edwin married Donna J. Adams and had one son Paul D. Adams before her untimely death in 1969. While serving in the Navy, Edwin performed duties on land and sea. He enjoyed a unique and distinguished career. One of his tours of duty included serving as a medic for a Marine Corp unit. Affectionately known as "DOC" amongst his peers, Edwin often stated, "If I could survive Vietnam, then I could survive anything." Edwin served three tours in the Vietnam War. As a Navy Corpsman he achieved many accommodations including: National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Award; Navy Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Vietnam Service Medal; Presidential Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation; and a Fifth award for the period ending October 16, 1978. After retirement from the military, Edwin went on to Civil Service and retired from the Commissary at Camp Pendleton. Edwin continuing his education by obtaining his Associates Degree in Health Care as a Cardio Pulmonary Technician. He also became a Notary Public Sonny loved the Lord. He was a faithful member of New Venture Christian Fellowship in Oceanside, CA for over 20 years. His niece, Veronica from Chicago, was blessed to attend Easter Sunrise service with her Uncle Sonny. He was well liked and touched the lives of many. Sonny departed this life on September 1, 2016. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories; A wife Faith Adams, a son Paul D. Adams (Constance), 5 stepsons; Tony, Johnny, Lamont, Stuart and Terrance. Grandchildren Shannon, Samantha and Jayden, Greatgrandchildren Carson and Avery. Sisters, Adele Walker and Karen Jones (Donald) and one brother Barry Ramey. Niece: Veronica Hatch (Warren). He had beloved relationships with all of his family members. His sister cousins Barbara Lynch, Janet Cleveland and Mary Dunlap will miss his late night love calls, as well as, many friends and family, Including close friend Gary Bartlett of Oceanside, CA who served with him in the Vietnam War and worked closely with him in the Brig on Camp Pendleton. Gary came to visit him often during his illness sharing good times and war stories. ~Expressions of Love from his son~ "My father was an angel in my eyes, he was always there for me. As a child we both had a great loss and my father was by my side every step of the way. My father was my hero. I lost a big part of me. ~Paul D. Adams~ God Saw You Getting Weary He did what He thought best, He put His arms around you And said "come and rest" He opened up His golden gate On that heartbreaking day, And with His arms around you, You gently slipped away. It broke our hearts to lose you You did not go alone, A part of us went with you, The day God called you home. God gave us strength to bear it Courage to take the blow But what it meant to lose you God will only know Repast immediately following service at: American Legion Post 365 and VFW 7041: 1234 South Santa Fe, Vista, CA 92084