Ralph Edgar Lamb, Sr.

Ralph E. Lamb Sr. passed into the arms of God on September 13, 2015 Born on March 19, 1935, he was the second son of Rebecca and McKinley Lamb of Corryton. His large childhood family also included six sisters. He came from humble beginnings and lived his life always looking to help others.

Ralph was a hardworking man and took many paths to provide for his family, often working several jobs at one time. He retired from East Tennessee Human Resource Agency in 2008 after helping start the Community Corrections Program. As a Probation Officer and Assistant Manager, he influenced many individuals who had previously made poor choices in their lives. His earlier careers included chief deputy and detective at Hamblen County Sheriff's Department, furniture manufacturer, sales associate, boat manufacturer, prison guard, and Morristown City police captain, to name a few. Somewhere along the way he mastered small engine repair and put it to use in retirement as he and two of his four sons bought, repaired and sold lawn mowers.

Earlier this year his “boys” surprised him with a special fishing rod and other equipment for his 80th birthday. It was an immediate hit and since he and his wife lived on the Holston River, it was convenient to fish in the morning and in the evening. It was common to see the light from his golf cart coming down the gravel road at dusk, his fishing equipment dangling off the back, but nary a fish in sight. He always practiced catch and release.

He is also survived by his wife Sandy Bonds Hawkins Lamb. In June Ralph and Sandy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to New Mexico. This was a playful gesture since they knew their ages would not allow them to reach that milestone. They were married in 1989, sharing many wonderful years and both were quick to say it was not enough.

Ralph was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church, Talbott. He is also survived by sisters Marion Hall, Sadie Ammons and Janie Fox, his precious boys – Kenneth Lamb (wife Bonny) of Dandridge, Ralph (Eddie) Lamb Jr. (wife Evon) of Talbott, Scott Lamb (wife Rochelle) of Cookeville, and Sandy Noe (wife Lynette) of Orange Park, Florida.

Grandchildren include Christy Salassi, Brian Lamb, Nicolas Fabus, Ryan Fabus, Grace Lamb, Maddie Lamb, Ashley Valentine, Nikki Landers, Joey Landers, Levi Nooe and Landon Nooe, plus a number of great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

As he spent recent days at Ft. Sanders Hospital, he would ask those helping him if they knew Jesus. His sweet gentle spirit was evident even in his last days.

Ralph would want his friends and family to know he is at peace after a life well-lived. Family will receive friends at McCarty-Evergreen Funeral Home on Wednesday Sept, 16 from 4-5 pm with a celebration of life to be held at 5 pm.