Robert R. Adams, 71, of Wesley Chapel passed away on March 26, 2017. He was born in Pittsburg, Kansas to parents Bob and June Adams. Robert graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1963, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. The memories of his school years were some of the best of his life, and probably conjured the best stories. His love of sports lasted his entire life; he was an avid golfer, horse racing aficionado, and loyal fan of the Florida Gators; so much so, that in the fall of 1996 during an exasperating game against Florida State, Robert became so furious that he suffered a stroke (that he later blamed on the biscotti he was eating at the time). Although he only spent summers there growing up, Frontenac, Kansas held a special place in his heart. He cherished the place, people, and time spent there. He and his brother Walter went every fall for the Pittsburg State University homecoming festivities and every year came back with more and more reasons to talk someone into visiting with them…but mostly for the best fried chicken and coldest beer in the world. In 2000, Robert retired from the United States Postal Service in Washington, D.C., a career that gave him the opportunity to live and travel all over the country. He was Postmaster during his assignment in Savannah, Tennessee, and even taught at the Postal Academy before ending his tenure as the Manager of Mail Recovery Centers. Upon retirement and homecoming to Tampa, Robert was a volunteer coach and substitute teacher at two local high schools. Being a pitching coach, one of his favorite things to do was buy his pitchers and catchers breakfast at Steak and Shake before Saturday practices. Robert was a proud and loyal Democrat; the slightest political comment would often lead to passionate debates and fiery commentary, but always end with a smile. He is survived by his wife Jimmie Wheless Adams, his brother Walter (Tami) Adams of Knoxville, Tennessee, sister-in-law Ada (Ted) Barnwell of Tampa, nephews Mark (Terri) Barnwell of Plant City and Darrin (Cherie) Barnwell of Tampa, niece Natalie Holton of Wesley Chapel, nephew Daniel (Christy) Adams of Knoxville, Tennessee, niece Katie Adams of Knoxville, Tennessee, great-nieces Kayla (Anthony) Campanello of Tampa and Payton Barnwell of Lakeland, great-nephews Mason Adams and Logan Adams of Knoxville, Tennessee, and countless lifelong friends. A memorial service celebrating Robert’s life will be held on Friday, April 7th, at 2:00pm, at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church located at 6111 N. Central Avenue, Tampa. If you have a favorite story, please come prepared to share with the family, during or after the service. A reception will follow in the social hall. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice…except, obviously, the Republican National Committee.