Adam Douglas Trantham, 28, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2017.
A native of Haywood County, he was the son of Doug and Amy Trantham. Adam was a talented musician from a young age, making mountain music with his family. Adam proudly served his country for four years in the Marine Corps where he served two combat deployments, earning the rank of Sergeant. After military service, he earned a BA degree in history from WCU.
In Afghanistan, Adam suffered physical and mental traumas which did not heal. He fought a long and brave battle with mental illness that grew worse over time. While he lost this battle, he fought for so long because he loved his family and friends. Old soldier and friend Ernie Aughe said: “Adam was a tough, badass MARINE who took the fight to the enemy, without the advantage of age to see him through, and whatever took him down was the fault of the enemies of GOOD, RIGHT, just, fair, and GODLY… He is a casualty of war just as much as if he had died on the battlefield.”
But we are not without hope. As Adam recently said himself: “All the pain and hurt we inflict on ourselves and each other in life can seem insurmountable. It is hard to let go, and harder to forgive. Lay your broken heart and your sins at the foot of the cross, where there is endless love and grace enough to cover all our regrets and all our pain. Praise Jesus, because He has saved us from ourselves. His love knows no bounds and His mercy is free.” We rejoice that, because of Christ, Adam is now healed.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Ali Trantham; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Emily and Josh Fleenor, Sara and Eric Gatilogo, Robin and Sam Hayes; nieces and nephews, Andrew, Anna, Samuel, and Gracie; grandparents, Jim and Carolyn Trantham, and Marie and Jim Bartholomew, all from Haywood County; his service dog and lifeline Abbey; and many beloved extended family.
A memorial service celebrating Adam’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Waynesville. Full military honors will be conducted by the USMC. There will be an informal reception with the family following the service.