Cecil Ray McLamb

Cecil Ray McLamb March 12, 1940 – July 5, 2020 Cecil Ray McLamb, 80, of Wilson, went peacefully home to the Lord, Sunday morning, July 5th, 2020 at Wilson Medical Center. Cecil was born March 12, 1940 in Four Oaks, North Carolina and was a 1958 graduate of Four Oaks High School. He joined the United States Air Force in 1959 and was stationed at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England. He enjoyed traveling throughout the British Isles and much of Europe while on R&R, snapping hundreds of photos along the way. Also, while overseas, he began taking college courses through the University of Maryland, and upon returning to the U.S. he completed his Bachelors degree at Campbell College. On June 20, 1966 he began work for the Right of Way Department of the North Carolina State Highway Commission, reporting to C. Jack Baldwin in the Fourth Division based in Wilson. Cecil enjoyed a successful career in the department with numerous promotions, most notably Division Right of Way Agent in 1979, Area Right of Way Negotiator for Divisions 1, 2, & 4 in 1989, and State Right of Way Negotiator in 1990. He was a member and long-time supporter of the International Right of Way Association. A number of his colleagues were pivotal to his success, many of which became life-long friends. Upon retirement in June 1998, he was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award bestowed by the office of the governor, presented for exemplary service to the state of North Carolina. Cecil was a fiercely devoted husband, father, brother, and son, giving selflessly to his family in countless ways. He regularly visited his mother and ensured her needs were met after a stroke rendered her bed-ridden for many years. He drove Brandon to and from school and church events, Boy Scout meetings, and camping trips, sometimes sleeping in the car when tent space wasn’t available. Attending family reunions, birthday celebrations, and the like were extremely important to him. Cecil truly had a deep love of family and a kind and compassionate heart that led him to help friends and family as long as he was physically able. Cecil was a long-time member of the Wilson Evening Optimist Club where he enjoyed volunteering and serving the youth of Wilson County. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Wilson. Cecil is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jean Barefoot McLamb; son, Brandon Barefoot McLamb; sister, Shelby McLamb Royal of Four Oaks; brother, Donald McLamb of Angier; special cousins, Billy Gene Lassiter of Selma, and Cynthia Williamson Cook of Andalusia, Alabama; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Aaron D. and Ethel Hayes McLamb; and brother, Lynwood McLamb. The family would like to thank some special caregivers, Clary Jain, Brenda Long, and Crystal Montague. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, 311 W Nash Street, Wilson. The Rev. Steve Clayton will officiate. A visitation will precede the funeral at 10 a.m. at the church. To help to prevent the spread of COVID-19, both the visitation and funeral service will be held outdoors, so please dress comfortably. For the health and safety of everyone, social distancing measures will be in practice. Attendees are asked to wear facial coverings, to sit or stand 6 feet apart, and should refrain from holding or shaking hands, or hugging anyone who does not live in their household. Those who are sick, high-risk, and who are unable or choose not to be physically present are invited to view the service online by going to Firstbaptistwilson.com, click Livestream, then click Special Events. Entombment will be at Maplewood Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church, PO Box 1467, Wilson, North Carolina 27894 or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.