Tayside Police said Adam, who played for Dundee United and Partick Thistle, passed away on Tuesday in Dundee.
Adam was the father of current Scotland international and Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam and Grant Adam, who is the goalkeeper for Airdrie United in the Scottish First Division.
A police statement said: "Tayside Police were called to Grampian Gardens in Dundee at 6.30pm on Monday after the death of a 50-year-old man.
"The deceased has been confirmed as former professional football player Charles Adam (senior) who played for Dundee United."
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.
Source: PA
Source: PA