Billy Adams

Billy D Adams, 83, passed away at home in West Paducah on January 6, 2026. He spent the last couple months battling acute myeloid leukemia. Billy spent the majority of his life on the water, working his way from deck hand to riverboat captain. Over his 65 years on barges, he worked stretches of river from Florida to Ohio. He was also a member of The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). During his time on the river, one of his favorite things to do was send his wife beautiful pictures of sunrises and sunsets during their nearly 28 years of marriage. Billy is survived by his wife Annette Adams, three daughters Ashley (Sean) Cundiff, Amanda (Michael) Jones, Erin Centenni, his grandson, who was more a son than anything else, Billy Cooper (Miranda), and a dear family friend Aunt Kim Duncan. Billy was blessed with many grandchildren, who he was known to share pictures of constantly. Ryan, Sydney, Connor, Bladen, Lilly, Cash, Blake, and Maddy all hold a piece of his heart as well as his many nieces and nephews. Billy is proceeded in death by: Parents, William and Antha Adams; Sisters, Kay (Frank) Goad and Ann (Jessie) Davis; Brother, Joe Adams; First Wife, Margaret Adams; Daughter, Patricia Adams; Granddaughter, Megan Cooper; and mother-in-law, Tincie Ford. A special thank you to Dr. Jonathan Walters for your unwavering support through this process, Erica Jordan, APRN with Hematology/Oncology for being a wonderful caregiver, and Mercy Health Hospice for being our rock during an unimaginable time. No public service will take place at this time. A private memorial will be held in the spring. Condolences to his wife and family may be made through Lindsey Funeral Home, Paducah, KY. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to assist with final expenses.