Charles J. Adams, Jr., 87, died May 20, 2011, at his residence in Exeter Township. He is survived by his wife, Mabel Pauline (Williamson) Adams; son Charles J. Adams III and his wife, Theresa Mary Ann (Kunkel) Adams; grandchildren Emily Adams (wife of Yanek Korff, Vienna, Virginia); and Kevin Adams (husband of Jennifer Adams, Sinking Spring); and great-grandchildren Alanna and Vera Korff and Bennett Adams. He is also survived by two brothers, Robert, Exeter Township; and Barry, Owatonna, Minnesota; and a sister, Geraldine Gernert, Spring Township. Born in Reading, he was the son of Charles J Adams, Sr. and Edith Nichols Yeich. He was predeceased by brothers Kenneth, Bruce, Glenn, and Richard. Charles will undoubtedly be missed at the banks, burger joints, restaurants, markets, and the off-track betting facility in Exeter Township. He would regale anyone who would listen with his colorful tales and treat them to copies of his latest columns (Adams' Apples) that were published in the Berks-Mont newspapers. Writing those columns, as well as articles in several veterans' newspapers and newsletters, became his passion after many years as a successful businessman. Adams Dry Cleaners was a Reading fixture for some 50 years. He was a partner in that business with his father and brother, Robert, until he retired. Even as a partner, however, he preferred that his primary function be a delivery driver, where he established rapport and respect of his many loyal customers. Retirement from the workaday world freed up the inner artist in him, and he expressed himself through self-published cartoon books and his regular contributions to the aforementioned media. Any piece of blank paper near him was fair game for one of his imaginative doodles. Upon his passing, his desk was filled with unfinished cartoons, and on his computer were files of unsent columns. But it is his life that must be celebrated. Charles and Mabel were inseparable. His love for her never wavered. Through more than a half-century of marriage, they worked together to build the business, enjoyed success doing so, and reaped the benefits of that hard work by taking dozens of cruises, many vacation trips, and spending time in a condo in Madeira Beach, Florida. He was a Phillies fan through their very worst and the very best years. In 1980, he and his son attended the final game of the World Series, where they watched the Phils win the championship. More recently, Charles, his son, and grandson Kevin attended one of the first games ever played at Citizens Bank Park. For many years, he was an avid golfer, keeping up with his brothers and father who also enjoyed the game. He also spent idle hours playing the piano and enjoying his favorite jazz and big band music. And, he was involved in the community as an active member of political and social clubs, and serving a term as president of the Antietam Valley Optimist Club. What must also be remembered about Charles' life is his service to the country during World War II. He was a decorated sailor aboard LST 281, which was among the ships landing on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. He also served in invasions in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters. In 1994, he was invited by the Queen of England to attend the 50th Anniversary of D-Day with a visit to Normandy and a dinner with monarchs and presidents in Portsmouth, England. On the day of his passing, a letter on his desk informed him that he had been awarded the French Legion of Honor medal for his participation on D-Day. It will now be awarded posthumously. But, Charlie Adams' heart was always in his home. In more recent years, he became not only his wife's companion, but also her caretaker. He vowed to be with her, through their marriage of 67 years and in their home of more than 50 years, as long as he was able to cope with the challenges that were presented­–and there were many. And, up to his last breath, he remained by her side. Services will be at Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 65 S. 4th Street, Hamburg on Thursday, June 9 at 11 a.m. with interment in St. John's Cemetery, Hamburg. A gathering for friends and family will follow the burial. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Exeter Community Library, 4569 Prestwick Drive, Reading, PA 19606. Please print for one day with photo - Tuesday. Please call (610) 562-7823 to verify receiving this e-mail. Thank you, Donna Leibensperger Parr