Col. C.C. Adams

Colonel Charles Clinton “C.C.” Adams (USAF, Ret.)

Colonel Charles Clinton “C.C.” Adams, a highly decorated military veteran, dedicated community leader, and passionate aviation enthusiast, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, faith, and family.

Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, C.C.’s remarkable journey took him from the cockpit of military aircraft to the heart of Waco, Texas.

C.C. began his lifelong commitment to service while attending Culver Military Academy, where he was a member of the renowned Culver Black Horse Troop. He went on to graduate from Bradley University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force through the ROTC program.

His distinguished 27-year military career began with pilot training in Del Rio, Texas. A master of the skies, Colonel Adams logged more than 5,500 flying hours across a wide variety of aircraft, including the T-37, KC-135A, RC-135, B-52D, HH-3E, and UH-1. He was subsequently assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC), initially serving as a co-pilot in a B-47 bomber at Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska.

Throughout nearly three decades of service, C.C. flew bombers, tankers, reconnaissance aircraft, and airborne command post missions. A courageous and highly skilled aviator, he earned both the Command Pilot Badge and the Basic Missile Badge. He flew 350 combat hours during the Vietnam War, including participation in the historic Hanoi raids of December 1972.

For his valor, exceptional leadership, and meritorious service, Colonel Adams received some of the nation’s highest military honors, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, nine Air Medals, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. In 1982, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and later held several key staff positions at SAC Headquarters until his retirement from military service in 1990.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, C.C. brought his leadership and operational expertise to the private sector. He moved to Waco, Texas, where he assumed responsibility as a Program Manager with Chrysler Technologies, applying the same discipline, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence that had defined his military career. Waco quickly became home, and it was there in 2010 that he met the former Carolyn Mays of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The couple married in 2011 and shared 15 wonderful years together, firmly rooted in the Waco community. C.C. was deeply involved in civic, religious, and educational organizations throughout the community. A faithful member of Highland Baptist Church, he served as Chairman of the Deacons and was known for his unwavering faith and servant leadership. He was also active in the Military Officers Association, WRS Athletic Club, and Baylor Lifelong Learning. He proudly maintained his connection to military aviation history through membership in The Order of Daedalians, a national fraternity of military pilots.

Beyond his military accomplishments, C.C. had a lifelong passion for model aviation. As a Board Member-at-Large and avid builder with the Heart of Texas Miniature Aircraft Club, he built six aircraft from scratch and frequently promoted the hobby as a rewarding activity for families. He specialized in large-scale models with wingspans of 72 inches or greater and took immense pride in sharing his knowledge and craftsmanship with others. His patriotism and commitment to service were recognized locally in 2022 when he was awarded a Quilt of Valor by the Waco Republican Women’s Club.

C.C. is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his sister, Cynthia Adams Butkovich; his children, Kimberly Braden, Carey Adams, Brett Adams, and Michael Adams; and his cherished grandchildren, Taylor LaFargue, Braeden Adams, Addie Adams, and Zayne Adams. He also leaves behind a community of friends, fellow pilots, church members, and neighbors who will deeply miss his leadership, integrity, generous spirit, and warm camaraderie.

His life stands as a testament to duty, honor, faith, and family. The example he set through his service to his country, church, and community will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

OakCrest Funeral Home will assist in honoring C.C. with a visitation from 1:30 to 3 PM on Wednesday, October 7 and a Celebration of Life at 3 o’clock immediately following. OakCrest Funeral Home is located at 4520 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710.

Full military burial will be promptly at 2 PM Thursday, October 8 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75221.

The cemetery has a strict policy of NO flowers. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Mission Waco: 1315 N. 15th St., Waco, TX 76707 or Samaritans Purse: 801 Bamboo Rd., Boone, NC 28607.