GREENWOOD, S.C. — As family and friends gathered to view Gaines Adams’ body Thursday evening, many entered Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services wearing a specially-designed white T-shirt honoring their local hero.
On the front of the shirt was a collection of snapshots from Adams’ playing career, with four smaller photos surrounding a larger image of Adams’ introductory news conference with the Bears.
The back had Adams’ number 93 from Clemson, with a Tiger paw forming the 9.
Vince Coates, a distant relative, Greenwood native, and brother of former NFL tight end Ben Coates, came up with the concept.
More photos from Thursday’s wake.
“I really just thought of doing something for the family, just in remembrance,” said Coates, owner of SideLine Sportswear in town.
“Just something to keep seeing that smile Gaines had every day, and something to keep his face in the community.
“Gaines is someone kids here look up to. I’ve heard them say, ‘That was my hero.’”
The funeral service will be Friday at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley.
Members of the Bears and Buccaneers will take team charters to attend the 1 p.m. service. The Bears are expected to have at least 60 members of the organization in attendance, including Lovie Smith and Brian Urlacher.
Photo: Rotavious King, cousin of Gaines Adams, wears a t-shirt honoring the Greenwood, South Carolina native. (Chris Sweda / Tribune)
Read the original article from Tribune News Services.