John E. "Johnny" Adams
June 20, 1941 ~ June 3, 2024
John Edward Adams, “Johnny”, 82, of Hollywood, MD, passed away on June 3, 2024, in Leonardtown, MD. Born on June 20, 1941, in Drayden, MD, he was the son of the late Joseph Raymond Adams and the late Agatha (Abell) Adams. Johnny was the loving husband of Loretta Reeder Adams for nearly 50 years. He was very proud of his three sons, Bruce J. Adams of South Carolina, Brandon R. Adams of California, MD, and Joshua V. Adams of Hollywood, MD, as well as his eight grandchildren, Austin, Cameron, Danielle, Gabriella, Mackenzie, Aubrie, Brantley, and Reighlynn. Johnny also leaves behind three sisters, Mary Jean Goodwin of California, MD, Betty (Ray) Dion of Lexington Park, MD, and Dottie (Pat) Gillooley of Lakeland, FL, as well as his nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray, and Bobby.
Johnny was a lifelong St. Mary’s County, MD resident and attended Little Flower Elementary School and Great Mills High School. He was a lineman for Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) with over 33 years of dedicated service, retiring on August 19, 1999; he was also the proud owner of Woodburns Tree Service for many years. Johnny had many friends in St. Mary’s County and loved to host large parties with his favorite band (Charlie Thompson and Kenny Heard) providing live music. He was an avid Baltimore Ravens fan and excelled at shooting pool in his younger days. Johnny enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, attending car shows, fishing, and crabbing.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Fr. Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will be private.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.





Johnny Adams was my Dad, and a great Dad was all he ever was. It hurts so bad to sit here writing this while missing you so much already. A memory I would like to share is the last trip my brother, my Dad, and I all went to Ocean city for the car show. My brother and I got so messed up one night we sat on the balcony of our room and ordered a pizza and like i said we were pretty tuned up so we forgot we ordered a pizza. Well my Dad was asleep and there was a knock on the door. Dad came to the balcony door and said “ cops are at the door “. My brother and I looked at each other like oh nooooo. My brother went and opened the door and it was the PIZZA GUY!! We sat and laughed about that all night and most of the next morning. It was a great trip one I’ll never forget. I love you Dad, you did good, rest in peace now.
R.I.P Johnny, AKA Big Daddy, you always treated me and my dad great. Some memories we had were the summer parties you hosted, the fishing tournament on the Jay Bird, and all the good times at Toots and Dewdrop. When I Hear Old Troubadour by George Straight
I will think of you, my friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
To the Family –I’m so sorry for your loss. Johnny was a good friend of mine & Sherman.I knew him most of my life -He cut a many a tree down for Sherman & I back when he was in business .I pray the Lord will give Peace & Comfort to all in this sad time. RIP Johnny God Bless
No words could ever express the loss of a loved one. Just know that the family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Loretta, Bruce, Brandon, Josh & Family:
My thoughts, prayers & condolences go out to you all on the passing of Johnny.. Every time I would see him out he would always say “hi” to me.. He was a very kind man..
May God wrap his arms around you all & give you comfort.. He’s now your guardian angel watching over you all.. God bless!!
Loretta and family – I was so sorry to hear about Johnny’s passing. I haven’t seen him in years but I always remember him as one of the kindest people I ever knew. My sympathy to you all – Tism
Loretta and family, I offer sincere condolences on Johnny’s passing. He was a good friend for the many years that I have known him.
John O.
Condolences to the family .RIP Johnny ‘ He was such a fun guy, I have a great story with Johnny and Pop Duke in the early 70’s They entered my house at 4am Friday morning looking for Homemade Blackberry Wine I woke up to see 3 shadows whispering in the Moonlight in my dining room I came down the steps and said ‘ Whoever you are speak up, I have a gun , they didn’t I shot, I heard Johnny holler ‘ POP DUKE ,Your sister is Crasy as they ran back to Leonardtown Md .lol
Loretta and family. I was saddened to hear of Johnny’s passing. He had a big heart and was as good as they come. I remember him co-signing for me to buy my first motorcycle (when nobody else would).
Loretta and family. So sad to hear of Johnny’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent to all.
Loretta and family, I was truly saddened when I heard of the passing of Johnny. I have known him for most of my life and there wasn’t a finer human being. He worked with my dad at SMECO and was a wonderful friend to all my brothers especially Jr. Burroughs. I can guarantee that Jr. Burroughs, Johnny Woodburn, Charles Thompson and Jimbo Burroughs greeted him with a cold Budweiser and a country tune! May you rest in peace dear friend♥️♥️
So sad yo hear of Johnny’s passing my husband was good friend of Johnny’s from SMECO God Bless the fsmily
Loretta and boys, how could Johnny be gone from us when he was so loved. Quiet, strong, kind, generous and that chuckle when he laughed. He was one of a kind and will be missed by everyone. Not sure the sadness will ever leave but oh my goodness the memories. Love you all.
My sympathy to the Adams family. Johnny was a good-hearted person. He will be missed.