ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — There’s a new live oak tree in front of Robertsdale Elementary School. It was planted Oct. 17 to remember Joshua Adams, an electrician and a graduate of RHS. Adams died July 23 when he was electrocuted while working in a classroom of the new RES building. He left his mother, a fiancee, and an infant son, Joshua Brayden Adams.

Other survivors include: a stepfather, Carl Phillips of Foley; brother, Zachary Adams of Robertsdale; grandmother, Corinna White of Pearl River, La.; and Hicks’ daughter Destiny Tompkins of Robertsdale. He was a son of the late Jerry Adams.

“We thought the tree would be a living memorial,” said Terry C. Wilhite, a spokesperson for the Baldwin County Board of Education and the Master of Ceremonies for the event. About 40 people attended the ceremony in front of the school.

“It makes me feel really good,” said Peggy Phillips, Adams’ mother. “I see so many people coming together, how much the community cares.”

There were plenty memories of Adams, an avid football and baseball player for Robertsdale schools nd leagues. After graduation from Robertsdale High, Adams was an umpire for Little League in central Baldwin county.

It seemed apt that the tree is near the corner where many visitors to the football stadium will pass.

“Josh was one who loved to play,” said Coach Kevin Raley. “Not a day goes by when something does not click in my brain about him. I knew that Josh was going to be a fine young man. He loved Robertsdale and I promise you, he was a Golden Bear.”

Choruses of “Go Bears” could be heard throughout the ceremony.

Raley, choking up a little, had a message for Adams’ family.

“Josh loved people. He loved his girlfriend, and he loved his son. I believe he’s looking down for you, pulling for you.”

And Raley had a message for the rest of the audience.

“Josh taught us something,” said Raley. “We never know what might happen, so it’s important to make sure you don’t leave anything unsaid,”

Theresa Bryant, now the principal of Robertsdale High School, taught Adams in high school and had memories of Adams.

“He was always a happy kid,” Bryant said. She added that she would come an visit the tree “from time to time.”

Charles Murphy, the mayor of Robertsdale, shared memories of Adams as a youngster.

“I can remember Josh playing football,” said Murphy. “I hope those memories will be some solace to the family.”

Charles “Rusty” Downey, principal of Robertsdale Elementary shared his thoughts.

“I learned very quickly that this was not just an elementary schoo.lt is the elementary school in Robertsdale. Josh was part of that. “

Downey noted that the tree was planted in a line with older trees planted when the school was first opened.

“It’s part of a long line here,” Downey said. “It’s a privilege having you here today.”