Eric Kurt Adams, veteran, retired corrections officer

Eric Kurt Adams, 69, of Georgetown, was a loving husband, father, pop-pop, uncle, cousin, and friend. He left this world suddenly Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Eric was born to John and Florence (Pettyjohn) Adams Oct. 31, 1954, in Kansas. During his childhood, Eric’s father was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, and he lived many places including Kansas, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Okinawa, Japan, and Dover, where he made numerous lifelong friends. 

After graduating from Dover High School, Eric served in the U.S. Navy for six years and later attended Wilmington College. Eric went on to start a career in law enforcement at Sussex Correctional Institution in 1979. He later became a probation and parole officer, and soon became a supervisor. He also served on the Governor's Task Force during his career. Eric enjoyed giving back to his community by serving on the board at Delaware Technical and Community College and teaching criminal justice classes for several years. After retiring from P&P after 29 years of state service, he continued his professional journey working for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office.

Eric met the love of his life, Karen, after returning home. It was love at first sight, and after a year together they were married in 1979. Together they had two children, James and Jennifer. They enjoyed many good times together throughout the years.

Eric loved spending time with his family above all else. He loved being pop-pop and was always right there when you needed him. He enjoyed camping trips with his family. Eric loved being near the water and loved boating, waterskiing, fishing, and driving his truck on the beach throughout the years. He enjoyed playing and watching all sports, especially when his children played. He enjoyed coaching Little League and Pop Warner football. In high school, he played football, baseball, and basketball, and was a wrestler. He was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He loved playing Santa for the kids during the holidays. If you knew him, you knew he never met a stranger. Eric was a man who had so much love to give without expecting anything in return.

In addition to his parents, Eric is preceded in death by his twin brother, Derek Adams; his brother, Isaac (“Bunk”) Adams; and nephew, Jeremy Adams.

Eric is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Karen of Georgetown; son, James Adams of Georgetown; daughter, Jennifer Milligan (Heather) of Millsboro; granddaughter, Hailey Adams of Milton; grandsons, Landan and Lane Milligan of Millsboro; nephew, Kristopher Adams (Mindy) of Lewes; nephews, Kellan and Kasen Adams of Lewes; nieces, McKinley and Madison Adams of Lewes; as well as numerous cousins. He will be deeply missed by all those he knew and loved. 

A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Sunday, July 7, at Short’s Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, with a viewing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be at Cokesbury Cemetery following the service.

Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.