Norman DeGraaf Adams III

DeGraaf Adams, III, born in Houston, TX on May 25, 1957, passed  away, September 28, 2025. He was 68 years old, survived by his wife, Donna Parsley, mother, Ann Smith, brother, Will Adams and many, many cousins.

He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1975 and went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin. He joined Adams & Porter Insurance/AON in 1980 and began a 26 year career as a Marine & Energy Executive.

DeGraaf was an incredible chef, skilled fisherman and avid outdoorsman.  He retired young and fulfilled his dream of building a home in the Bahamas where he could wade the crystal blue waters flyfishing on the bonefish flats and diving for lobsters. He enjoyed living in Rockport, TX for five years and recently settled on 10 beautiful acres in Castroville, TX.

He was an early leader and Board member for the Coastal Conservation Association – known as Gulf Coast Conservation Association at the time. He was a longtime member and leader of the Central Houston Chapter. Additionally, he served on a multitude of CCA National and Texas State Committees, including Chairing both the Texas Government Relations Committee and National Insurance Committee. Beyond his significant efforts directly with CCA, DeGraaf also served in a number of governmental conservation efforts including State and Federal Advisory Committees and highlighted by his time on the Gulf Fishery Management Council.

DeGraaf was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and a genuinely good man. We will miss his wicked sense of humor and lively laugh. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman DeGraaf Adams, Jr. and nephew, Kirby Adams.

A celebration of DeGraaf’s life will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 14, 2025 in the First Baptist Church in Columbus, TX (1700 Milam St). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coastal Conservation Association.