Obituary: John Adey (QM 1940-48)

John was born on 31st October 1930 and he joined Queen Mary’s School, Walsall, at the age of eight.

When aged nine, with a fine singing voice, he was offered a place at Chester Cathedral School as a chorister and scholar, his parents reluctantly turned it down as they did not want him to move away from home with the prospect of war. He flourished at Queen Mary’s developing a keen interest in geography and history as well as taking advantage of all the sporting activities on offer. He became a talented cricket and rugby player, even being called for England rugby trials. John’s School career was a successful one with fine achievements in both academic subjects as well as on the sporting field. He was one of the youngest to play for Walsall 1st XV whilst also playing for Walsall Cricket Club.

When John was eighteen he met Betty, whose mother enlisted John into the Russell Street Methodist Chapel Choir w where he was able to use his talent for singing. His courtship with Betty went from strength to strength. On leaving Queen Mary’s John was offered a place at Bangor University to study forestry but he was unable to accept as he received ‘call up’ papers to join the army for his National Service. He was subsequently posted to Whittingtom Barracks with the Staffordshire Regiment where he thrived. He would have made the army his career but returned after the required two years to join the family butchers and to become engaged to Betty. After working for a short period in his father’s shop he found a shop of his own in Darlaston. He worked very hard to make it a success and in 1954 when meat came of ration it became a profitable time in the meat trade. A new butcher’s shop followed, with state of the art design which he was very proud of. His top quality meat was supplied to many large companies in the Midlands, including GKN, Rubery Owen and Charles Richards.

John remained a keen sportsman throughout his life playing cricket for Wolverhampton Cricket Club and Albrighton Cricket club. When grandchildren came along he delighted in their sporting achievements too.

At the age of 60 John retired and he started to play golf, another sport that he found that he excelled in. This coincided with a move to Bridgenorth, to a house overlooking the River Severn where John and Betty had some good times until Betty became ill and subsequently passed away. John remained in his house by the river and managed to live independently with the help of family and neighbours. On his 90th birthday he was blessed with his first great grandchild.

John passed away peacefully in the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, from a series of problems related to old age.

1946 1st X1 Cricket Team (John Adey pictured 3rd from right, standing)