Birth Date: 03/06/1941
Deceased Date: 01/18/2025
Ashley Ray McLamb, age 83, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at UNC-Rex Heart and Vascular Center in Raleigh following a brief illness. Funeral Services will be 2:00PM-Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Stones Creek Advent Christian Church 343 Wood’s Crossroads Road, Benson, NC. Revs. Scott Johnson and Danny McLamb will officiate. Entombment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Benson, NC.
Ray was born on March 6, 1941, in the Meadow community of Johnston County, NC to the late Willis Edgar McLamb and Ardelia Hargrove McLamb. Ray attended Meadow School and was a 1959 graduate of Meadow High School. Shortly after graduation, Ray started a small country store, Ray’s Grocery and Grill, near Blackman’s Crossroads. Ray enjoyed the connection to the community that the store provided, and he operated it for several years.
In 1975, Ray began what would become a successful 27 year career as an agent for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Company. During his long tenure, Ray was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including multiple Agent of the Year, All-Star, Round Table, Master Agent and Presidents Club designations. Ray was a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow, and in 1994 was named agency manager for the newly established Benson office. Ray retired from the agency in 2002.
Ray always had a sense of civic duty, and he was active in his community. As a charter member, he helped to establish the Blackman’s Crossroads Pool. He was also a board member of the Benson Area Medical Center. In addition, Ray was a member of the South Johnston High School Advisory Council and two term president of the South Johnston Booster’s Club.
Ray was dedicated to serving the Lord and his church family. Beginning with Lee’s Union Advent Christian Church, Ray was a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He became a member of Stones Creek Advent Christian Church in 1980 and served in various capacities throughout the remainder of his life, including Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, Chairman of the Deacon Board, and Elder. Ray also served as Chairman of the Building Committee during the construction of Stones Creek’s new church building, which was one of his most fulfilling accomplishments. It was Ray’s sincere hope that the church would continue to be a beacon of light and further the ministry of Jesus Christ in the local community and beyond.
Ray had a kind and gentle nature; he loved spending time on his farm, cheering for Carolina, and helping his friends and neighbors whenever he could. But by far, his greatest joy was found while in the company of his family which he loved dearly.
Ray leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Alma Lee Dunn McLamb of the home, daughter, Rhonda M. Bennett and husband Kevin of Benson, daughter, Danah M. Miller and husband Steven of Four Oaks, precious grandchildren, Alanah Rae Miller of Raleigh and Harrison Lee Miller, and special friend, Brooks Johnson of Four Oaks, brother, Dalton McLamb and wife Josephine of Benson, many nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Bobby Wayne Dunn of Four Oaks, and sister-in-law, Frances Mason of Raleigh, and his special pet, “Socks”. Ray was preceded in death by his sisters, Leola M. Wheeler and Maverine M. Edwards, brothers, Floyd McLamb, Lloyd McLamb, Lethel McLamb, and JD McLamb.
The family would like to thank the UNC Rex Heart and Vascular Center 4th floor staff for their exceptional kindness and compassion during Ray’s time in their care.
Flowers are welcome, but donations may also be made to the charity of your choice in honor of Ray’s memory.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM-8:00PM-Monday, January 20, 2025 at Stones Creek Advent Christian Church, and other times at the home.
Arrangements are by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.
