Adrin Colville

December 16, 1947 – May 18, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Adrin Colville, who left this world peacefully on May 18, 2026, at his home in the loving embrace of his family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 16, 1947, in Durham, North Carolina, Adrin’s life is best defined by resilience, love, laughter, and enjoying life at full speed. He spoke fondly of growing up in Chapel Hill, NC, with his brother, Ron, and friends who were always off on adventures and mostly up to “good,” with some mischief mixed in along the way. Those adventures took him to California for a few years while serving in the Air Force, followed by a quick return to the East Coast, where he spent the better part of his life enjoying coastal North Carolina alongside Carolyn.

Adrin was the beloved son of Bill and Mildred Colville, who preceded him in death, but whose values, example, and spirit continued to guide him throughout his life.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn Templeton, whom he married on November 24, 2001. Together, they shared over 25 wonderful years filled with laughter, love, and the joys of watching their family grow. He was a proud father of a blended family: Jeff (A’briel) Colville, Jennifer (Dan) Costner, Matt (Sarah) James, and Tiffany (Rockey) Deterts. Adrin’s legacy is further carried on by his nine bright and talented grandchildren: Lillie and Ellie Colville; Reagan and Brinley Kidd; Jackson and Sophia Poteat; and Andrew and Bentley Costner, and Amber James.

He is also survived by his brother, Ron (Terry) Colville; their daughter, Brittany (Jacob) Galloway; and his bonus sisters, Phyllis (John) Payne, Cynthia Ireland, and Anita (Chris) Pardue. The mother of his children, Lennette Honeycutt, also remains a part of his extended family.

A proud alumnus of Chapel Hill High School, Class of 1967, Adrin went on to proudly serve his country with distinction in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic. Stationed at Castle Air Force Base – Strategic Air Command in Atwater, California, he worked on B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1971.

Upon returning to North Carolina, Adrin embarked on a varied and successful career, first with Carolina Power & Light. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to the car wash industry in Winston-Salem, where he successfully owned multiple locations for more than a decade. However, it was in the automobile industry that Adrin truly shone, earning respect and admiration for his straightforward, win-win approach that resonated with both customers and colleagues alike.

A man of many passions, Adrin was an avid golfer, spending over 40 years on the fairways of his favorite courses, including Crow Creek Golf Club, Azalea Sands, and Hillcrest Golf Course. When not on the links, he could often be found enjoying the back porch, with the TV tuned into a NASCAR race, the Golf Channel, or a college game of some sort. His focus was on his hometown North Carolina Tar Heels, whom he avidly supported in basketball, football, and baseball. He was also a college sports fan who supported all ACC teams in tournaments and postseason play — even rooting for NC State and Duke at the national level.

Beyond the greens and sports, Adrin found joy in the simple pleasures of life: enjoying time with Carolyn at the beach, a good steak, visiting family and friends, pier fishing, occasional charter fishing trips with family and friends, building model airplanes, and decorating cigar boxes. His quick wit, laughter, and gift for storytelling brought joy to everyone around him.

To those who knew him, Adrin was more than his accomplishments; he was a man of faith, fairness, and honesty. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people, remembering full names and specific details that made each person feel valued. His transparency and directness were his hallmarks, offering feedback that was both fair and heartfelt, whether solicited or not.

His presence left a lasting impression on family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Adrin Colville will be held June 20, 2026, 11:00 at Robinhood Road Baptist Church, 5422 Robinhood Rd, Winston-Salem, NC. As we gather to remember him, we will hold dear the memories of a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose legacy of love and laughter will forever be etched in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Adrin’s memory to the American Cancer Society

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