Nashville, Tenn. (TN Tribune)-Dr. Carlton Z. Adams, Jr., age 69, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A dedicated surgeon, educator, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and community servant, he devoted his life to caring for others and educating the next generation of physicians.
Early Life and Education
Carlton Z. Adams, Jr. was born on December 17, 1956, in Oceanside, California, to Dr. Carlton Z. Adams, Sr. and Inez Adams. He spent much of his childhood in Carmichael, California, where his family made their home.
From an early age, Carlton was both a dedicated student and a gifted athlete. He attended Jesuit High School, where he played football and excelled in track and field. A talented sprinter, Carlton set the school record in the 100-yard dash—a record that remarkably still stands today.
Following high school, Carlton attended the University of Southern California, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1979. He then traveled across the country to Washington, D.C., where he attended Howard University College of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1983.
It was also in Washington, D.C., that Carlton met the love of his life, Phyllis. The two met in the fall of 1983 and were married the following year, on August 18, 1984, at Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. Their marriage would span more than four decades and become the foundation of the family they built together.
A Life in Medicine and Education
In 1985, Carlton and Phyllis moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he began his General Surgery Residency at Meharry Medical College. He completed his residency in 1989 and subsequently practiced at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
His pursuit of excellence in surgery later took the family to Buffalo, New York, where he completed fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
After completing his fellowship, Carlton and his family returned to Nashville, the city that would become their longtime home. He continued his surgical career at Nashville General Hospital and Meharry Medical College, where he cared for patients while dedicating himself to the education and mentorship of medical students, residents, and future physicians.
Over the course of his distinguished career at Meharry, Dr. Adams held numerous leadership and academic positions, including Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery, Surgery Clerkship director, and Chair of the Division of Surgery from 2020-2024.
His career in medicine was marked not only by his skill as a surgeon, but also by his deep commitment to teaching. He considered the education and mentorship of young physicians among the most meaningful parts of his profession. He approached his students and trainees with the same qualities that characterized his life: patience, thoughtfulness, high expectations, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Life Outside of Medicine
Although medicine was an important part of Carlton’s life, his greatest source of pride was his family.
Carlton and Phyllis were blessed with three children, Carmen, David, and Randall. He was a devoted father who placed tremendous value on education, hard work, and perseverance. He encouraged his children to strive for excellence while remaining a constant and supportive presence in their lives.
He could frequently be found in the stands or on the sidelines cheering them on. Whether attending gymnastics meets, cheerleading competitions, soccer games, or basketball games, he took great joy in supporting his children’s interests and accomplishments.
Outside of medicine, Carlton was an avid golfer who treasured weekends spent on the golf course with friends. At home, he enjoyed working in his garden, watching sports, and simply spending time with his family.
Those who knew Carlton will remember his calm and gentle demeanor and his warm, infectious personality. He was a thoughtful listener who took people’s concerns seriously. Whether someone came to him with a medical question, a professional challenge, or a personal problem, Carlton listened patiently and genuinely tried to help find a solution. His quiet steadiness, generosity, and compassion made people feel heard and cared for.
In June 2026, Carlton was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Even in the face of his diagnosis, he approached his illness with determination and hope, actively exploring treatment options, clinical trials, and emerging therapies.
During those months, he was especially grateful to share a long-planned family trip to Italy. Together they explored Rome and Florence and spent time along the coast of Cinque Terre, where Carlton particularly enjoyed relaxing in the calm waters of the Mediterranean. The trip became a treasured final adventure and a beautiful memory for his family.
Carlton faced his illness with courage, determination, and hope. He remained committed to exploring treatment options while cherishing the time he had with his family. He passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, surrounded by those he loved most.
Family and Legacy
Carlton is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Phyllis Adams; his mother, Inez Adams; his children, Carmen Adams, MD (Jason Ward), David Adams, MD, and Randall Adams; his grandson, Merrick Ward; his sisters, Cheryl T. Adams, MD (Anthony Remson, MD), Anne Marie Wold, MD (Robert Wold, DDS) and Kathy L. Adams-Berry, MD; his goddaughters Edlene Leathers, Aliska Berry, MD, and Marli Berry, and godson Ryan Berry, as well as several other extended family members, friends, colleagues, students, and former trainees.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carlton Z. Adams, Sr. MD.
Dr. Carlton Z. Adams, Jr. leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. It will be measured not only by the patients he cared for or the physicians he taught, but also by the countless lives he touched through a lifetime of service, compassion, mentorship, and generosity.
To his family, however, his greatest legacy is much more personal: a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a steady presence, and a gentle man whose wisdom, kindness, humor, and unwavering support will be deeply missed.
Funeral Services
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Evening Visitation
5:00–8:00 p.m.
Mount Olivet Funeral Home & Cemetery
1101 Lebanon Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37210
Friday, September 25, 2026
Visitation — 9:30 a.m.
Funeral Mass — 10:00 a.m.
Cathedral of the Incarnation
2015 West End Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Burial — 11:15 a.m.
Mount Olivet Funeral Home & Cemetery
1101 Lebanon Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37210
Reception to follow at Mount Olivet
