Birth Date: 02/28/1927
Deceased Date: 08/15/2024
Mr. Carl Edward Lamm, age 97, of 1667 NC Hwy. 96 South, died Thursday, August 15, 2024. Mr. Lamm will lie in state on Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 1:00pm until 4:45pm in the sanctuary at Smithfield First Baptist Church, 202 S. Fourth Street, Smithfield, NC 27577. Funeral Services will follow at 5:00pm. Rev. Lee Colbert and Rev. Kristen Tucker will officiate.
Sunday services will be broadcast live on WTSB Radio AM-1090 / FM105.5.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service. A private family burial will be on Monday, August 19, 2024 with Rev. Sam Blackman officiating. At all other times, the family will receive at the home of Mike and Lynda Carroll, 833 Country Club Road, Smithfield.
Mr. Lamm was born February 28, 1927 in Spring Hope, NC to Moses and Emma Wilder Lamm. He served his country during WWII in the United States Naval Reserves from 1944-1946. After the war ended, Carl returned home and graduated from Spring Hope High School. He attended the National Academy of Broadcasting in 1947. From there he began employment in 1947 at WCEC in Rocky Mount. From 1949-1958 he worked at WCKB in Dunn. In 1958 he became part-owner and general manager of WMPM, and in 2007 he and his son, Mickey, formed Lamm Media Group, obtaining WTSB Radio until his retirement in 2019.
Carl dedicated his life and career to radio broadcasting and was affectionately known as the “Voice of Eastern North Carolina” and the “Voice of Johnston County.” He adhered to a style of radio broadcasting that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s centered around classic country, bluegrass, and gospel music mixed with news, talk, and local interests. He sought to make Johnston County a better place to live by promoting businesses, churches, individuals, and all types of non-profits.
What mattered most to Carl was his family and Christian faith. His life verse was John 3:16. His favorite quote was “God is everything, I am nothing.” He will always be remembered as a loving husband and father, and an adored grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was married to Marjorie for 63 years until her death in 2015. They have 3 children, Travis Lamm (Barbara), Lynda Carroll (Mike), and Mickey Lamm (Anita). They also have 7 grandchildren: Mary Beth Thompson (Jeremy), Emily Johnson (Parker), Christian Lamm, Hannah Carroll, Adam Carroll, Andrew Carroll (Chasity), and Grace Ann Hurst (David), and a step-granddaughter, Robyn Strickland (Chad). In addition, he is survived by 16 great-grandchildren and several special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Carl was a former member of Beulah Hill Christian Church where he taught Sunday School for 48 years, and later became a member of Smithfield First Baptist Church, where he enjoyed attending the Evander Simpson Sunday School Class.
In 2010 he authored a book about his life and long career entitled “Sixty-three Years on The Air, My Life & Times.” Some of his many honors include: Hot Stove League Sports Broadcaster of the Year, Recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Smithfield-Selma Chamber Distinguished Citizen Award, News & Observer Tar Heel of the Week, Member North Carolina Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Johnston Community College Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Johnston County Living Legend, Paul Harris Fellow and past President Smithfield Rotary Club, Sales Supervisor Smithfield Tobacco Market, and Ronald Regan Legacy Award.
In August of 2024, the NC Department of Transportation re-named a section of 1-95 The Carl Lamm Highway. Carl was an extraordinary New York Yankee fan who did hundreds of interviews with professional players including Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Joe DiMaggio. He was a national expert on country music, appearing on the Grand Ole Opry as Mr. DJ USA. He treasured lifelong friendships in the country music industry.
Upon retirement, Carl and his family enjoyed regular fellowship at the Selma Bojangles where he developed deep friendships with employees and fellow customers. He also enjoyed his Friday “phone calls” to a special group of prayer partners and friends.
The family would like to thank the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield and Johnston County EMS.
Flowers are welcomed, but donations are encouraged to Smithfield First Baptist Church, PO Box 209, Smithfield, NC 27577, or the Carl and Marjorie Lamm Scholarship c/o JCC Foundation PO Box 2350, Smithfield, NC 27577.
A quote from the US Congressional Record 2004 “Truly Carl Lamm has been a unique man in a unique time in Johnston County. Through the radio, he has recorded the county’s comings and goings, the births and deaths, the struggles and triumphs, and the dreams of tomorrow.”
Arrangements by Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks, NC
My deepest condolences for the great loss of a true legend! God bless and comfort the hearts of family friends and people. Sincerely
Rest Now Sir Thank You for your service to our country and NC as well as Johnston County Job Well Done
American Legion District 11 Chaplain.
We are mourning the passing of our dear friend Carl as we did the passing of Marjorie. Mickey, Travis, Linda, your parents were so loved and you were blessed. And, so were we. Among our most cherished memories are those of Carl and Marjorie inviting Izzy and Eunice to join them on the air for fun and laughter. I loved each bit of wit and wisdom Carl ever spoke on the air. There is one phrase that always comforts my soul, as your dad proclaimed, “The ground is always level at the foot of the cross.”
Until we all meet again, a friend and colleague, Izzy Wright