RONALD Adams, who has died aged 94, was chief metallurgist at William Morris’s radiator factory and went onto become a much-loved primary school teacher.
Mr Adams worked his way up at Osberton Radiators for many years before resigning to re-train as a teacher.
Ronald Edward Adams was born on October 11, 1923, in Cambridge Street in St Ebbe’s, Oxford, to parents Robert and Annie Adams.
His father, formerly a tailor, worked long hours at Grimbly Hughes grocer’s shop in Cornmarket Street, now McDonald’s.
An only child, he grew up in a tenement building shared with seven other families in Floyds Row off St Aldate’s.
They moved to a newly built council house in Tawney Street in 1933 and just two years later their Floyds Row former home was deemed unfit for human habitation and demolished.
His mother encouraged him to read from a young age and he became one of the youngest people to receive library card, aged six.
He enjoyed his childhood and many of his memories were recorded by social historian Malcolm Graham in books on Oxford.
Most notably he and his friends would collect grass snakes in South Hinksey to sell to the local pet shop – although he was turfed off the school bus when they escaped from his pocket and caused panic on board.
He won a scholarship to Southfield Grammar School and left – aged 15 – to work for William Morris’ Osberton Radiators.
He married his beloved wife June, whose maiden name was also Adams, at St Michael at the North Gate church in Cornmarket Street on March 25, 1950, and moved to Staunton Road in Headington.
He had attempted to propose to her at least twice before but backed out as he thought she would say no.
Before they were engaged he once cycled a 200-mile round trip from Oxford to Great Yarmouth overnight in order to see June.
Much to their sadness the couple were unable to have children but close friends said they were much-loved by the children of friends and neighbours.
After more than 30 years at Osberton Radiators he would eventually become chief metallurgist at the factory – an achievement he was very proud of.
He was blocked from a more senior post due to lack of formal qualifications and resigned in 1973.
He undertook teacher training at Culham College and his years as a primary school teacher at William Fletcher Primary School in Yarnton were happy and fulfilling.
In retirement he and June were committed to their garden.
He also enjoyed playing a number of sports, including cycling, badminton, tennis, fencing, rowing and ice-skating and also played the organ and accordion.
When June died in 2010, Mr Adams moved into supported housing in St Clement’s and more recently in Cowley.
He died at St John’s Home in Cowley on January 5 and his estate will enable generous donations to be made to several charities.
His funeral will be on February 1 at 10am at Oxford Crematorium.