Benson, NC: Dr. William Carl “W.C.” Adams, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC. Funeral Services will be held 1:00PM, Monday August 3, 2026 at Benson Baptist Church in Benson, NC. Dr. Charles Royal will officiate. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall from 2:00PM until 4:00PM. A Graveside Service will be held after the visitation in the Pine View Cemetery in Seven Springs, NC. The family will also receive friends on Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 2:00PM-4:00PM at the family home – 1807 NC Hwy 50N, Benson, NC.

Dr. Adams was born on February 27, 1934 in Wayne County, NC, to the late Grover and Mildred Barwick Adams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen “Korney” Adams who were married for nearly 60 years. He is also preceded in death by his sisters, Wilma M. Bishop, and Edna Joyce Rice. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, lessons that shaped the man he became. After proudly serving our country in the US Army, he was honorably discharged and returned home to continue his education, earning his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1961. Dr. Adams dedicated nearly six decades to caring for the vision of countless patients at Dr. Adams, Naig, Johnson and Johnson in Benson, NC. He built a practice known not only for excellence but for genuine compassion, known today as EyeWorks. Dr. Adams was a member of the North Carolina Optometric Society and the American Optometric Society for more than 60 years. He was one of the first optometrists in North Carolina to receive a therapeutic license in 1977, advancing the role for the profession in providing a larger scope of primary care for patients.

Dr. Adams was a loving family man whose greatest joys were his family and his faith. He and his wife, Korney, lived in Benson, for almost the entirety of their marriage, building a life together, raising their family, and growing his eyecare practice. Together they loved dancing, snow skiing, vacationing by car, ECU football, and White Lake. His spontaneity of last-minute road trips was the cornerstone of their enjoyment for many years. They were members of Benson Baptist Church since 1961. He served in many capacities including Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and Youth Department Director. He also served on many civic/community boards and clubs including the Benson Lions Club, Board of Directors for First Citizens Bank of Benson, Johnston County Board of Health, American Legion Banner Post 109, and was awarded Citizen of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year by the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include his children, William Carl Adams, Jr. and wife, Annette, Millie Adams Johnson and husband, Richard, and Katherine Adams Bumgarner and husband, Kenny; grandchildren Jami Adams (Jonathan), Will Adams (Taylor), Adam Caldwell (Sarah), Collin Caldwell, Jenna Johnson (Keric), Kara Stevens (Whitley), Jessica Johnson, Logan Bumgarner (Remy), Lexi Bumgarner, Brandi Martin (Mikeal), Lance Bumgarner, Tyler Bumgarner (Christie); great-grandchildren, Harris Stevens, Adelina Martinez, Sutton Adams, Braston Caldwell, Everett Caldwell, Madalynn Caldwell, Hailey Bumgarner, Cooper Bumgarner, Gavin Martin, Trevor Martin, Kennedy Bumgarner, Samantha Bumgarner; several nieces and nephews; special friend Mary Majors. The family would like to thank the caregivers for their loving care for our father, especially Carolyn Hill and Cindy Blackmon who cared for him for many years.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. Memorials may be made to Benson Baptist Church, PO Box 323, Benson, NC.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.