Francis “Chappy” Adams, III, 48, a renown real estate figure in Palm Beach County, Florida and owner of Illustrated Properties, one of South Florida’s most respected real estate companies, passed away on Thursday, January 10, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Adams was born in 1964 and raised in Palm Beach County. He graduated from the Benjamin School and then Boston College in 1987 after spending his junior year at Lund University in Sweden.
After graduation, Adams joined Illustrated Properties, a well-respected independent real estate company founded by his father, Bud Adams, in 1976. The company continued the legacy of real estate in Palm Beach County started in the 1930s by Adams’ grandfather. Adams worked as a commercial leasing agent, and then moved into residential sales. During his seven years as a residential salesperson, Adams was consistently a multi-million dollar producer.
Adams transitioned into management at Illustrated Properties, eventually becoming president in 1995. Together with his father, Adams oversaw Illustrated Properties’ 20 offices and 500 agents, as well as the company’s mortgage, title and insurance affiliates.
Adams went on to earn the Certified Residential Broker designation and represented the company at the bi-annual meeting of the Trendsetters, an elite group of industry-leading real estate companies from across the country.
His colleagues say Adams led the company with charisma and used his talents to blend technology with the professionalism for which the company was well-known.
“He loved life and was beloved by his colleagues, friends and co-workers, said Cheryl Linck, vice president and corporate counsel for Illustrated Properties. “The management team of Illustrated Properties is dedicated to continuing Chappy’s legacy and carrying on the tradition.”
“He was a dynamic person, well loved and respected by everyone who had the pleasure of getting to know him,” said John Featherston, CEO and publisher of RISMedia.
Adams leaves behind his wife, Diana Adams, daughter, Emma Adams, father, Bud Adams, step-mother, Carol Adams, and mother, Katrina Adams – all of whom reside in Palm Beach County.
