His Legacy in Review
Born in Varnville, SC on May 6, 1928, Adam Major was the 7th child born to Sol and Mariah Davis Major. As a young child, Adam enjoyed the educational opportunities made available during the segregated times at the North District Training School. Even after he graduated, he stayed involved with the teachers who were brought into the rural settings of Hampton County and stayed at the “Teachery”, a boarding house used for this purpose.
Adam was employed at Westinghouse plant but left to join the U.S. Army in 1951 during the time of the Korean War. This venture afforded him the opportunity to travel to Europe and he often commented that he served with General Dwight D Eisenhower. His story was that he became well versed in the languages of the areas he visited. Even until a few months ago, he often greeted folks in one of the five different languages he claimed to have learned. After his military career, Adam returned to the Westinghouse Micarta plant in Hampton. In his early years there, he was instrumental in ensuring the black employees were treated as fairly as the times allowed. In 1991, his Westinghouse career came to a close after 42 years of service.
Early in his life, Adam became a member of the Blunt Chapel CME church where he served for many years as the Superintendent of the Sunday School and various other capacities. He truly loved his church and worked tirelessly to ensure the church was taken care of, until his health began to decline.
Under the direction of Rev. A.Z. Brown and Dr. H.J. Brooks, Adam became a member of the Free Masons. He was a long-time member of the Antioch Lodge #91, where he served for over 50 years.
Adam served in various capacities throughout his community: long-time member of the NAACP, served as Voting Precinct Manager for the town of Varnville for almost 30 years, served on the Hampton County District One School Board, served several terms on the Varnville Town Council even into his 90s, and served numerous years as president of the Ellis Cemetery Association.
In addition to community service, Adam continued to demonstrate a phenomenal work ethic. Even in his 80s, he was still working multiple part time jobs: Associate at the Sandy Run Recycling site for Hampton County, Mentor at Hampton County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, and staff member for Washington Funeral Home.
Although he served in many roles, he took most pride in being head of the family and a strong male figure to many that he truly loved and cherished. For so many he was Uncle Bubba or Uncle Adam, Cousin Adam; the one they counted on to give guidance and lend a hand; As well as a friend and mentor to many in his community.
We thank God for blessing him with more than 96 years.
Left to cherish his memory: His wife of more than 70 years, Margaret Johnson Major; Children: Ronald Major (Betty), Philip Hamilton (Diane), Ralph Major, Al Major (Denise), Cecil Major (Michele), Patricia Miller (Tracy), Beverley Spann (Booker); more than 40 grand and great grandchildren; his only surviving sister, Lilly Rose Bingham; a host of nieces and nephews.
