Banks Tolson Adams, Jr.

Banks Tolson Adams, Jr., 93, of Greenwich, CT and Williamsburg, VA, passed away peacefully in the evening hours of Friday, February 10, 2023 after a brief illness. His final days were filled with love, storytelling and laughter with his family. He was preceded in death by his life partner, JoAnn Freeman Adams, his parents Minnie Greene Adams and Banks Tolson Adams, Sr, and his sister Betty Jean Adams Hallman.

Banks was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina January 24, 1930. His family soon moved to Columbia, South Carolina where he and his sister were raised. Banks worked for several years as a lifeguard at the local pool, eventually running the Sports and Recreation Department of Rock Hill. While attending a hometown parade, Banks was drawn to music by the sound of the drum. He worked in a local music shop until he could buy the drum set in the window, ultimately playing in the Atlanta Symphony.

Banks graduated from Dreher High School in Columbia and matriculated at Furman University to pursue a major in music. After graduation, Banks enlisted in the US Navy as an ensign, attending OCS in Newport, RI. After graduating first in his class from the Atlantic Fleet Destroyer’s Gunnery School, Banks served during the Korean War on the USS Preston DD 795, a Fletcherclass destroyer. Following his service in the Navy, Banks earned an MBA from Emory University, where he met the love of his life, JoAnn Freeman from Knoxville, TN.

The couple married in 1956 and moved to New York City where Banks worked in finance for the pharmaceutical products company Richardson-Merrell.

He joined A.W. Jones & Co., often considered the original hedge fund, eventually becoming a managing partner. Later, Banks founded hedge fund firm Adams and Welch, LLC. During his 50 years in Greenwich, Banks enjoyed many years of friendship within the community and as an active member of The Stanwich Club. While serving five terms as Board Chairman, Banks was instrumental in guiding his beloved church through a transition and the building of a new church, Round Hill Community Church, a small, strong community of devoted members in Greenwich.

Banks was a man of faith, country and character who enjoyed sharing his love of music, art, and history with his family and friends. His strength and honor are his legacy for all who knew him. He is survived by his children, Victoria Brooks Adams Melly (Tom), Wendy Adams Montgomery, and Banks Tolson Adams, III (Deleata); his grandchildren, Tommy Melly, Caroline Melly, Madeline Melly, Stone Montgomery, Macrae Montgomery and Courtney Montgomery; and his greatgrandson, John Banks Melly.

Services will be held at a later date. For those wishing to send flowers, the family asks that you consider a contribution to Round Hill Community Church, 395 Round Hill Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.