Tommie Daniel Adams, Jr., age 92, of Benton, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025.  He was born on July 4th, 1933 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Tommie Adams, Sr. and Beulah Adams Atkinson. His parents always told him that the flags and fireworks were just for him.  Tommie recently resided in Benton, Arkansas at Mount Carmel Assisted Living, until his passing. He experienced a life well lived for 92 years  As a young boy, his work ethic was developed at his Uncle Argie Adams' farm on Steel Bridge Road in Benton.  During his teen years he hauled lumber in a big rig and drove taxis for his father's business.  After graduating from Arkadelphia High School in 1952 he enlisted in the US Air Force. During a much needed leave back home in Hot Springs, for the fourth of July holiday, Tommie met a vacationing young lady from Dallas, Texas. She caught his eye and his heart. Five meetings later on September 4, 1954 Tommie and Greta Warren were married and  became an unstoppable team for forty years until her passing in 1994. Tommie is survived by their two children, Danny Adams (Lisa) and Jan Adams (Lynn). His grandchildren, Timothy (Shon) Adams (Michelle), Kimberly Adams Billingsley (Carlton), Tiffany Tidwell, Dr. Jackie Mosely, Justin Kugler (Jennifer), Brittney Reynolds (Shannon). He has thirteen great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Barr (Jay) of Winslow, Arkansas. Tommie wanted everyone to know that Judy Pridgen was a true loving friend." He is crazy about her". Those are his words.

Judy's sons, Matthew Hass and the late Darren Hass became his bonus sons. Darren's children, Jordan Vinson and Allie Mashburn and Macy Hass became his bonus granddaughters.

He was predeceased by his parents, stepfather, Dr. Joe Atkinson and sister, Judy Atkinson Sommerfeld and grandson, Stan Adams.

In 1962, Tommie and Greta opened the Benton Dairy Queen and it became a local hangout for the high school students.  In the beginning, Greta said, "Tommie, we don't make much money but it sure is fun watching these kids grow up."

They began to offer free DQ treats to the cheerleaders after the ball games. Suddenly, the football players ended up there too. It was a genius marketing strategy!  As a team, they helped raise two generations of kids and many of those" kids" still looked to Tommie for guidance.

Tommie sponsored and coached many baseball and softball teams. He estimated coaching over 150 boys and girls.  Many of those teams won state and regional championships. . He always found opportunities to Coach and mentor.

Christmas 1969, Tommie found a lump in his neck that was determined to be thyroid cancer. After surgery, it was recommended that he receive radiation therapy as extra precaution to prevent reoccurrence.  After his recovery it became clear that his vocal cords were damaged, but he learned to compensate in his daily life. He emceed several community events and always willing to speak to anyone that would sit and listen. He always joked that his singing career was over. Even with the obstacle of a voice that he couldn't raise, he trained 129 employees at the Dairy Queen and whistled and hand signaled his way to victory on the ballfield.

Tommie stepped away from the Dairy Queen in 1983 to run for Saline County Treasurer. He held office of treasurer for 18 years, unopposed. Greta managed the Dairy Queen until they decided to sell the franchise in 1987.

He retired in 2000 but he never stopped performing random acts of kindness and remaining active by attending his great grandchildren's football and baseball games. Volunteered at the Food Bank in Little Rock and Food Pantry at Sardis United Methodist Church.  Sometimes he helped others in secret.

Community Organizations: Optimist Club, President of the Saline County chapter of the American Cancer Society 1970-1976, President of Public Housing Authority Saline County, Hurricane Creek Credit Union. Highland Heights Baptist Church.

1970 Benton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year

1974 Optimist Club Lifetime Membership

Kiwanis Club Award

2003 Bernard Holland Babe Ruth Field renamed -TOMMIE ADAMS FIELD.

2018 Legends of Benton (Key to the City) presented by Mayor David Mattingly

2019 Mr. Tommie Day, at Benton Dairy Queen.

2023 Benton Athletic Memorial Museum Meritorious Service Award.

Tommie said he was not alone in everything he accomplished. Every step along the way he has been surrounded by kind people willing to do the hard work to accomplish mutual goals.  Family members, church friends, Dairy Queen Employees, Optimist Club members, Saline County Treasurers office and courthouse staff and the multitudes of friends throughout the years that added smiles and tons of laughter. He says, "Thank you and Happy trails to you, until we meet again, T.A."

The family would like to express our gratitude for the excellent care Tommie received from the Veterans Administration, CARTI Cancer Center, Dr. Mariann Harrington, Dr. Keith Mooney and the CARTI Medical Imaging Department. The family also recognizes the entire staff at Mount Carmel Benton for their love, compassionate work and support for the last 11 months of his life. You made his heart smile. Hospice Home Care and Palliative Services team created support that made his last days brighter.  The family would also like to thank Shannon Combs, Speech Pathologist at New Hope Therapy of Hot Springs for giving Tommie tools to improve his quality of life.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 17 at Highland Heights Baptist Church @ 1421 Alcoa Rd in Benton, AR 72015.

A Celebration of His Life will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 18 at Highland Heights Baptist Church with burial to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Special Olympics Arkansas in honor of Tommie's special friend, Keith.