Milton "Bo" Hunt Adair Jr

Milton Hunt “Bo” Adair, Jr., of Cedar Bluff, crossed over the river on October 9, 2025, and now rests in the shade of the trees with his Lord and Savior. Bo was born on February 26, 1942, in Richlands, Virginia, to Milton Hunt Adair and Lora Jette Harman Adair. He enjoyed a wonderful and adventurous childhood growing up in Red Ash with his devoted sister, Virginia “Ginny” Russell. It was Ginny who gave him his lifelong name, “Bo,” as a child—a name and bond that would remain inseparable throughout their lives. Though a proud Virginian, Bo’s roots ran deep into the hills of Kentucky, where his family had long ties to Bowling Green and Claypool. Many of his happiest memories were made during family trips to the Bluegrass State—visiting relatives, sharing stories, and reconnecting with the rhythms of country life that helped shape his easy humor, his generosity, and his love of home. In recognition of his service and character, Bo was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents; a very special friend, Judy Jessee, and their beloved “babycat,” Rikki; and his faithful canine companion, Harley Cook. Bo graduated from Richlands High School, East Tennessee State University, and Virginia Tech, and also pursued studies at the University of Virginia. He was blessed to enjoy a long and happy retirement following a distinguished career with Tazewell County Public Schools, where he served in various central office positions, including as Title I Director, and as Principal of Raven, Jewell Ridge, and Cedar Bluff Elementary Schools. Despite his many accomplishments in education, his heart always held a soft spot for his very first job—driving coal trucks for the Raven Red Ash Coal Company. Bo was a man of many passions. He loved fishing, long walks, and bike rides with friends, and he found joy in volunteering at the Good Samaritan Food Pantry, where he delighted in helping carry groceries to people in need. He was also an avid train enthusiast—he could talk for hours about the great locomotives and railroads of the past, and he shared that love with his great-nephews, Clark and Eamon. Bo’s life was also marked by his deep commitment to Freemasonry, a brotherhood he cherished and upheld with pride. He served as Worshipful Master of the Richlands Masonic Lodge and was a Noble of the Kazim Shrine Temple. To Bo, Masonry was more than a fraternity—it was a way of life built on service, brotherhood, and moral integrity. As one Masonic teaching reminds us, “Freemasonry builds its temples in the hearts of men and among the nations of the world.” And as the Shriners so beautifully say, “No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.” Bo lived those words each day—serving others quietly, faithfully, and with an open heart. Those left behind to celebrate a life well and fully lived include his sister, Ginny, and brother-in-law, “best neighbor ever,” and friend, Bruce Harold Russell of Cedar Bluff; fiancée, Gail Cook of Bluefield, Virginia; son, Robert Adair of Alderson, West Virginia; niece, Jennifer Bezjak and husband Scott of Loveland, Ohio; great-nephew, Matthew Bezjak of Tampa, Florida; great-niece, Lora Kate Bezjak of Cincinnati, Ohio; nephew, Bruce H. Russell II, and wife Shannon Jordan-Russell of Abingdon, Virginia; great-nephews, Clark and Eamon Russell of Abingdon; and his faithful friend, David Hankins. Arrangements will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry, where Bo found such joy in helping others. “Like a rock, standin’ arrow straight. Like a rock, chargin’ from the gate. Like a rock, carryin’ the weight.” — Bob Seger “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.” — Psalm 18:2

Milton "Bo" Hunt Adair Jr

February 26, 1942 - October 9, 2025