Cleive Ester Adams is a name that many people might recognize because of his connection to some of the biggest stars in sports. However, he himself has an incredible life story that deserves to be told in full. While most know him as the grandfather of NBA stars Stephen Curry and Seth Curry, Cleive Ester Adams lived a rich life full of achievements, challenges, and family pride long before the spotlight found his descendants. The topic of Cleive Ester Adams Age often comes up because not much is publicly known about him, but by connecting the dots from different pieces of information, we can build a very clear picture. Cleive’s journey from a young boy growing up in West Virginia to becoming a standout athlete, a loving father, and an important mentor in his family’s success story is inspiring. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Cleive Ester Adams’s age, background, education, career, family, and much more. You’ll find that his story is more than just dates and titles—it is a story about perseverance, love, and influence that shaped generations to come. Let’s walk through his life journey together.
Profile Summary: Cleive Ester Adams Age
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Full Name: Cleive Ester Adams
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Birthplace: West Virginia, USA
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Birth Year: Estimated early or mid-1940s
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Nationality: American
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Ethnicity: African-American
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Education: Virginia Tech, Degree in Physical Education
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Sports: Football player, Track athlete
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Marital Status: Married
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Wife’s Name: Candy Adams (birth name Candy Wyms, from Haiti)
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Children: Three – Sonya Curry, Cleive Adams Jr., India Adams
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Profession: Former football player, coach, athletic director
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Religious Beliefs: Christian
Cleive Ester Adams Early Life and Background
Cleive Ester Adams was born in the 1940s in West Virginia, United States. His exact date of birth has never been publicly shared, which is why when people search for Cleive Ester Adams Age, they often get estimates instead of a confirmed number. However, based on his daughter Sonya Curry’s birth year, which is 1966, it is likely that Cleive was born in the early or mid-1940s. This would make him approximately in his late 70s or early 80s in 2024. Cleive grew up during a time when America was going through major social changes, especially for African-Americans. Despite the hardships, he focused on his education and athletics, setting the stage for his future success. Raised in a modest family, he always showed strong values of hard work, respect, and resilience. His roots in West Virginia and his African-American heritage gave him the cultural strength that he would pass down to his children and grandchildren. Cleive kept most of his early life private, and even today, little is known about his parents or siblings. This preference for a private life continues to this day, even though he is connected to some of the most famous athletes in the world.
Education and Athletic Career
Cleive Ester Adams attended Virginia Tech, where he was an outstanding student-athlete. It is at Virginia Tech that his love for sports truly flourished. He played football and also participated in track events. Cleive was known for his versatility on the football field, taking on multiple roles such as quarterback, wide receiver, running back, and even defensive back. Such flexibility on the field highlighted his exceptional athletic ability and determination. In track, he set impressive records in sprinting events like the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. His physical education degree from Virginia Tech showed that Cleive not only valued athletic performance but also education. His achievements there earned him recognition and respect, not just from teammates and coaches but also from the broader college sports community. His passion for athletics didn’t stop with his personal achievements; later, he shared his knowledge and discipline with young athletes through his career in coaching. Cleive’s time at Virginia Tech was truly transformative and would have a lasting impact on the generations of athletes in his family that followed him. When people talk about Cleive Ester Adams Age, it’s important to remember that he spent his youthful years building a strong foundation in both sports and education.
Family Life and Relationships
Cleive Ester Adams married Candy Adams, a woman with roots in Haiti. Their marriage represents a union not just of two people but of diverse cultural backgrounds. Candy was a talented individual herself, and their meeting at Virginia Tech showed that both valued education and sports. Together, they raised three children: Sonya Curry, Cleive Adams Jr., and India Adams. Sonya, the most well-known of their children, pursued a career in volleyball and later became an educator and school founder. She married NBA player Dell Curry, further intertwining sports excellence into the family DNA. Their sons, Stephen and Seth Curry, rose to international fame as two of the NBA’s top players. Meanwhile, Cleive Adams Jr. followed his father’s passion for football, both playing and coaching at Averett University. India Adams lives a more private life, but remains an important part of the close-knit Adams family. The love, discipline, and values that Cleive and Candy instilled in their children are evident in the remarkable successes they have achieved. Despite the fame surrounding his descendants, Cleive remains a private and humble man, content to enjoy his family’s success from behind the scenes.
Coaching Career and Achievements

After completing his studies and athletic career at Virginia Tech, Cleive Ester Adams turned to coaching. He became the head football coach at Averett University, where he coached from 1982 to 1987. Coaching a team requires leadership, patience, and knowledge—all of which Cleive had in abundance. During his tenure, he led the team to many victories and was known for his ability to inspire young athletes. His hard work was recognized in 1986 when he was named Dixie Conference Coach of the Year. His impact on Averett University extended beyond coaching football games. He also served as the university’s Director of Athletics, helping to shape the school’s sports program and improving opportunities for future athletes. His contribution laid the groundwork for the continued success of the athletic department. Cleive’s coaching philosophy focused on discipline, teamwork, and striving for excellence, principles that are evident in the lives of his children and grandchildren today. Even after his retirement in the late 1980s or early 1990s, Cleive’s influence in sports continued through the generations. Anyone interested in Cleive Ester Adams Age should realize that his career achievements form a crucial part of the legacy that extends beyond just the number of years he has lived.
Cleive Ester Adams Physical Appearance
While there isn’t any official record of Cleive Ester Adams’s exact height or weight, some assumptions can be made based on his athletic background. Being a football player and sprinter, he likely had a strong, athletic build. Given that his daughter Sonya is 5 feet 3 inches tall and his grandsons Stephen and Seth are both over 6 feet tall, it is reasonable to guess that Cleive himself was of medium to tall height, perhaps around 5’10” to 6’2″. His physical features reflect his African-American heritage—dark skin, black hair, and brown eyes. Even in his older years, Cleive appears to have maintained good health, likely due to his lifetime commitment to fitness and active living. His strong and distinguished appearance, combined with his calm and wise personality, makes him a respected figure within his family and community.
Cleive Ester Adams Net Worth in 2024
As of 2024, Cleive Ester Adams’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Although not as wealthy as his NBA-famous grandsons, Cleive’s career as a coach and athletic director allowed him to live a comfortable life. It is also likely that he made smart financial decisions along the way. Additionally, being the patriarch of a family that includes multimillionaires like Stephen Curry and Seth Curry means that Cleive is surrounded by significant wealth, even if it is not directly his own. His daughter Sonya Curry has her own substantial fortune, estimated at $6 million, and his grandsons have net worths of $130 million and $16 million, respectively. Cleive has certainly been able to enjoy the success of his family and live a life of dignity, comfort, and fulfillment. Understanding Cleive Ester Adams Age gives us a timeline for appreciating the quiet strength and steady hand he provided over decades of family growth and success.
Conclusion
Cleive Ester Adams’s life is a remarkable story of athletic achievement, family love, hard work, and perseverance. Though not much is publicly known about him compared to his superstar descendants, Cleive’s influence is undeniable. His dedication to sports, education, and family laid a foundation that has benefited generations. When people search for Cleive Ester Adams Age, they are often trying to understand the man behind some of the most recognizable names in basketball today. But Cleive is more than just a footnote—he is a proud father, a loving husband, a mentor, and a man of faith. His life teaches us that true greatness often happens behind the scenes, quietly shaping the future.
FAQs: Cleive Ester Adams Age
What is Cleive Ester Adams Age in 2024?
Although his exact birthdate is not public, Cleive Ester Adams is estimated to be in his late 70s or early 80s in 2024, based on family history.
Where was Cleive Ester Adams born and raised?
Cleive Ester Adams was born and raised in West Virginia, USA. He grew up in an African-American family during a time of major cultural changes.
What sports did Cleive Ester Adams play during his education?
Cleive Ester Adams played football and ran track while attending Virginia Tech. He excelled in multiple football positions and was a standout sprinter.
Who are the children of Cleive Ester Adams?
Cleive Ester Adams has three children: Sonya Curry, Cleive Adams Jr., and India Adams. His family is deeply rooted in sports and education.
What is Cleive Ester Adams’s estimated net worth in 2024?
Cleive Ester Adams’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million in 2024, earned through his coaching career and life investments.
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