Conyers lost one of its very finest when former Chief of Police and public servant extraordinaire Olly Thomas (O.T.) Adams, 90, passed away June 13. Not only was Adams on the police force for more than three decades, but he also served as a volunteer firefighter, coroner, bailiff and a host of other positions. He sometimes served in these roles simultaneously, always with his trademark humor and unflappable style, and was a friend and inspiration to many.

Given the juggling act required by so many roles, former City Superintendent and friend Tommy Morgan was always impressed by his "calm and cool manner." Referring to Adams as the "Andy Griffith of Conyers," Morgan mostly remembers his easy-going style and love of fishing.

Colleagues and those he served remembered Adams’ easygoing humor. A fishing buddy and former FBI agent, Jack Simpson, said he was often a beneficiary of Adams’ wit. One in an arsenal of tales was the time he became sick while working on a case in Conyers. He said Adams offered to take him to the doctor, but en route drove him through the cemetery encouraging him to buy a plot "in case he didn’t make it." Adams was in charge of selling plots for the city at the time.

Growing up on Adams’ watch, Kevin Simpson said his father, Ron Simpson who served on the city council at the time, told him and his brother, "if we ever got into any trouble to ask to see O.T... He wouldn’t get us out of trouble, but he would assure we were treated fairly… Luckily we stayed out of trouble."

Adams’ son Bobby shared the same sentiment. "I didn’t want to be in the position of facing him, and that kept me out of trouble," said Bobby, "He was a great father and led by example." Despite being called away on work at all times of day and night, he always made time to fish and play basketball and baseball with his son. Bobby was slightly surprised to learn during the memorial service was Adams was still getting out regularly in his old age and visiting with friends.

O.T. Adams did his best to ensure all was well during his watch at the helm of city law enforcement as Conyers grew and through the turbulent 1960s.

O.T. is survived by his wife Claudine Adams, Conyers; son and daughter-in-law Robert (Bobby) and Belinda Adams, Covington; grandchildren Jessica and Andrew Johnsen, Winston-Salem, N.C., S.N. Jeremy Adams, Covington, Sgt. Jason Adams, Ft. Campbell, Ky., Jill Adams, Covington; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Fred Adams and Bentley Adams; sister Margaret Adams.

Those wishing to make a donation in lieu of flowers may do so to the American Diabetes Association in honor of O.T. Adams, Jr. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com.