Gregory Lawson Adams

Born December 14, 1959, Gregory Lawson Adams literally and figuratively marched to the beat of his own drums throughout his whole life.  Known through the years by a variety of names (GA, Beeg, Graig and Omar, to name a few), Greg was blessed with a wicked sense of humor, along with a lifelong appreciation of – and true talent in – music.

Preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Cecie Adams of Shelbyville KY, Greg — who was born in Pennsylvania but spent most of his life in the city he loved, Indianapolis IN — is survived by his wife Paula Finney Adams of New Bern NC; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Dave Fabrizio of Colfax, NC; his brother Briggs Adams of Reno NV; his nephews Nick Fabrizio of Greensboro NC and Neil Fabrizio of Denver CO: and last but certainly not least, his much adored and much spoiled Yorkie Terriers, Libby and Chloe.

Greg’s career in – and love for — music began when he was a toddler when his notoriously thrifty parents begrudgingly granted his wish for a snare drum.  As he grew in age, so did his collection of drums, recording equipment, stereo speakers, albums, CDs, TVs – and most of all, his Apple phones, watches and I-pads.

After graduating from Pike High School in Indianapolis – where he played drums in the marching band when he wasn’t ditching classes – Greg attended the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, honing his craft alongside gifted musicians from all over the world.  Returning home from Massachusetts, Greg would go on to perform with rock & roll bands all over Indianapolis and earn a reputation as one of the Circle City’s most technically skilled percussionists.

In addition to performing music, Greg put music to work for him, first teaching drums to wannabe rockstars at music stores in suburban Indianapolis, and then owning and operating the Purple Room, a recording studio on the northwest side of Indy, where he gained – and entertained – a wealth of lifelong friends.

To those many friends, he was generous to a fault.  To his wife, sister and brother, not so much.  But they all know that when mealtime rolled around, Greg would run as far away as he could from onions, order McDonald’s cheeseburgers “plain with ketchup,” demolish a Chick-fil-A sandwich at least three times a week and prefer to finish any meal with a lemon pie or something out of a Hostess box.  They also knew Greg would make them laugh out loud whenever he was around.

Mary and Briggs — the two remaining members of what Greg dubbed “The Adams 5-Pack” when they were all together in their Mom’s (Cecie’s) kitchen about five years ago – invite you to please join them in a Celebration of Greg’s Life to take place from 4 pm-6 pm Saturday, May 21 at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis IN 46220.

The family asks that you please bring a “Greg Story” (or “Omar, GA, etc. Story” if you prefer) and perhaps a song or two to share at the Celebration. Musicians are welcome to bring their own instruments and sound equipment.  In keeping with Greg’s wishes, gentlemen will be required to wear pants but ladies may dress as they choose.

Those unable to join the Celebration in person, may attend virtually by clicking HERE.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Yorkie Rescue Houston (https://www.yorkierescuehouston.org/info/donate).