Ray H. Lamb's Obituary
Ray H. Lamb, 89, of Lebanon, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Sycamore Hospital. He was born January 5, 1936, in Red Lick, Kentucky to Gilbert L. and Virgie (Turner) Lamb.
Ray honorably lived out a life of steady labor and dedication to his community. For nearly 35 years, he owned and operated Ray Lamb Auto Sales, where he specialized in buying and selling cars and created a place known for its deals, conversations, and for welcoming anyone who enjoyed trading vehicles or stopping by to talk shop.
Deeply committed to his faith, Ray was a longtime and devoted member of Red Lion Pentecostal Holiness Church. In 1969, he led the planning and construction efforts that transformed the old schoolhouse into the current church building, a project he was deeply proud of. He remained faithful throughout his life, attending services, singing in church, and supporting the ministry in countless ways.
Ray loved working outdoors, especially on big projects, vegetable gardening, tending animals, and cutting down trees. He especially enjoyed buying and selling cars, tractors, farm equipment, and anything with wheels. He also raised goats for many years, a responsibility he took pride in. He was happiest when he was starting new projects—usually before finishing the previous one—and lived a life filled with creativity, resourcefulness, and steady hard work. He was known for his strong work ethic and sense of humor. His frugality was legendary, often reflected in one of his favorite responses when offered something for free: “Would you take any less for that?”
Ray treasured many traditions, including making his homemade ice cream whenever the mood struck him, and the cup of coffee he brought to his daughter every morning while she was preparing for her job at school. He especially loved time spent with his family, as well as playing guitar and singing in church. Locals affectionately referred to him as the “Mayor of Red Lion,” a humorous nod to the pride he took in his community and the friendships he formed there.
Preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Virgie Lamb; his wife, Viola Rose Lamb; daughter Joanne Lamb Cook; and 12 siblings: Dallas, Pearl, Lonia, Reva, Emery, James, Kenneth, Harrison, Arnold, Whit, Marie, and Noah. He is survived by his twin sister Faye Riddell; daughter Cheryl (Tim) Miller; son Gene (Kathy) Lamb; nine grandchildren: Amy (Randall) Weaver, Amber (Brandon) Dillon, Ben Cook, Jessica Lamb (Kris), Matt (Krichelle) Miller, Megan Sullivan, Kenny (Devon) Lamb, Allison (Alex) Gross, and Elena (Frankie) Simon; his wife, VeRon Moore Lamb; and 16 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends after 5 PM on Tuesday, December 9 at Red Lion Pentecostal Holiness Church. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 10 at the church, with Pastor Randy Chrisman officiating. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences may be made at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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