Clarence J. 'Babe' Adams Sr. SMYRNA - Clarence J. "Babe" Adams Sr., of Smyrna, died on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at home. He was 98. He was born in Haddonfield, N.J., son of the late William A. and Elsie Adams. He moved to Smyrna in 1940, and had been employed with Chrysler Corp., Newark, for many years until his retirement. He was a longtime golf enthusiast, and had formerly been a golf-pro at Tavistock Golf Course, Tavistock, N.J. He had also been an all-star semi-pro baseball pitcher in the Haddonfield area. He enjoyed recounting stories about his team's many scrimmage games with the Philadelphia Athletics. In addition, he played trumpet and led his own big-band orchestra, known as the "Babe Adams Orchestra" in the Northern New Jersey and New York areas for many years. He was a longtime member of St. Polycarp Catholic Church, Smyrna. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Reed Adams; a brother, William Adams; and a sister, Ethel Adams. He is survived by a son, Clarence J. Adams Jr., of Smyrna; two daughters, Phyllis M. Levy, of Sarasota, Fla.; and Linda M. Fleming, of Ellendale; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 25, at St. Polycarp Catholic Church, Ransom Lane and South St., Smyrna, where friends may call at 10 a.m. in the parish hall. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover. If desired, contributions may be sent to St. Polycarp Parish, 135 Ransom Lane, Smyrna, DE 19977. To send a condolence letter, contact www.delmarvaobits.com. Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.