Russell Lancaster Adams

Russell Lancaster Adams, 82, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2026, following an extended illness.

Born on May 17, 1944, Russ lived a life defined by service, craftsmanship, friendship, and unwavering dedication to the people and communities he loved. He was the son of the late Maxey Clifford Adams and Laura Lancaster Adams.

For more than five decades, Russ shared life's journey with his beloved wife, Anne Becker Adams, whose love and companionship were among his greatest blessings. Together they built a family that remained the center of his world. He is survived by Anne; his son, Darren Painter; grandsons, Brandon and Travis; granddaughter, Holly; and great-granddaughter, Kali, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

A proud Spartanburg native, Russ graduated from Fairforest High School in 1963 and spent much of his life doing what he loved most: working with his hands, solving problems, and helping others. As owner of Russell Adams Automotive, he earned a reputation for honesty, skill, and integrity. Generations of customers came to know him not only as a talented mechanic, but as a trusted friend who was always willing to lend a hand or share a story. His automotive business became a familiar and respected part of the Spartanburg community.

Russ answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He served with Company E, 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade at Fort Jackson from 1964 through 1972. He carried the values of duty, loyalty, and service throughout his life and remained active in supporting fellow veterans as a member of American Legion Post 28 in Spartanburg.

Few organizations meant more to Russ than Freemasonry. A devoted Mason for over sixty years; he was a proud member of Spartan Lodge No. 70, one of Spartanburg's oldest and most respected Masonic lodges. He also held membership in the Shriners and cherished the lifelong friendships, fellowship, and commitment to charity that came with those organizations. His Masonic brothers knew him as a man of character, loyalty, and quiet strength.

Russ was the happiest outdoors. Whether on a skeet field, at a trap range, or sharing time with friends who loved the shooting sports as much as he did, he embraced every opportunity to compete and enjoy the outdoors.

His dedication and talent made him one of South Carolina's most accomplished competitive trapshooters. Throughout his career, he earned numerous state championships, including South Carolina State Singles Champion in 1996 and 2001, State Handicap Champion in 1990, State Doubles Champion in 1989, 1993, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008, and State All-Around Champion in 1989, 1990, 1993, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006.

In recognition of his achievements and contributions to the sport, Russ was inducted into the South Carolina Trapshooting Hall of Fame in 2006.

Among his proudest accomplishments was earning the prestigious Amateur Trapshooting Association Grand Slam, becoming the 187th shooter in history to achieve this rare distinction. The Grand Slam requires perfect scores in 200 Singles, 100 Handicap targets from the 27-yard line, and 100 Doubles, and is widely regarded as one of trapshooting's highest individual achievements.

He was an emeritus member of both the Spartanburg and Greenville Gun Clubs and a life member of the National Rifle Association. While his competitive accomplishments were remarkable, those who shot alongside him will remember him most for his sportsmanship, friendship, and genuine love of the shooting sports.

Those who knew Russ will remember far more than his accomplishments. They will remember his quick wit, his stories, his steadfast independence, and his willingness to help others without expecting anything in return. He represented a generation that believed in hard work, personal responsibility, loyalty to family, and service to community. Whether in his shop, at the lodge, on the range, or around the dinner table, Russ left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he made, the customers he served, and the many lives he touched over the course of more than eight decades.

While his presence will be dearly missed, his example of integrity, perseverance, and devotion will remain with us always.

A service to honor and celebrate the life of Russell Lancaster Adams will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Scottish Rite Valley of Spartanburg, PO Box 5851, Spartnaburg, SC 29304 or to one's favorite charity.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Floyd's North Church Street Chapel