A celebrated longtime head football coach, Dinzle Adams, best known as Dink, passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 86, in Knoxville, Tennessee, at peace, reuniting with his beloved wife.
Dink was preceded in demise by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carol Adams, who passed away just a little over a year ago in August 2025.
Whereas, Dink is survived by his children, daughter Kim and son-in-law David Byrd; daughter Candy and son-in-law Adam Parker; and daughter Aangie and son-in-law Gary Ottinger.
Kim Byrd, his daughter, broke her silence on his demise, writing:
I sure will miss my sweet daddy. He was such a loving and funny dad. His poor heart broke from missing our momma. They are together talking with Jesus.
Kim Byrd
He was a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather to his grandchildren, Braxton, Adams, Summer (Santi) Sanabria, Savanna Parker, Saylor Parker, Brenli Ottinger, Breece Ottinger, and Caleb Byrd, as well as a great-grandfather to Journey Sanabria.
Besides his wife, Dink was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Thelma Adams; sisters, Voncile (Joel) Dykes, Dot (Lowell) Ramsey, Janice (Ken) Campbell, and Marty (Bear) Witt; and brother, Dale (Barbara) Adams.
Born on November 16, 1939, Dink worked in education and sports for decades in the Halls community.
Dink began his career working as a teacher at Halls High School before landing a role as a principal. But what really stood out about him was the time he spent as the head football coach, leading the team for 10 years.
He took on that role starting back in 1968 and stayed with it as head coach through 1978.
During that time, and really throughout his whole long career at the school that stretched all the way from 1968 to 2000, he poured so much into the program and the kids who played for him.
His dedication was so clear that they even named the football field after him, Dinzle “Dink” Adams Field.
After stepping away from coaching, he kept right on contributing as assistant principal, athletic director, and then head principal.
Besides football, he loved the outdoors too, especially fishing, and he never lost that enthusiasm for sports.
Reportedly, friends can visit his family on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 3:30 p.m until 6:00 p.m. at Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel. Right after that, at 6:00, there will be a service with Pastor Keith Tillman leading it.
Then on Sunday, January 4, 2026, everybody is asked to gather at Luminary Cemetery in Ten Mile, Tennessee, meeting at 1:45 for a 2:00 graveside service.
During this challenging time, we pray for the strength of Dink’s kids, grandkids, extended family, and friends.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Dinzle “Dink” Adams!
