Ronald Ray Lamb

Ronald Ray Lamb, a well-known apple grower and businessman, went home to be with the Lord after a long battle with kidney cancer on March 25th, 2013.

He was born Aug. 3, 1935. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Van Lamb and Laberta Louise Brown Lamb. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Louise Orr Lamb. His children, Sheree King and her husband Allen, Terri Lamb, Dale Lamb and his wife Geraldine, Cameron Lamb and his wife Katie and 8 grandchildren, Laura Laughter and her husband Grant, Lindsey King, Justin Lamb, Rayce Lamb, Dalton Thompson, Holden Thompson, Aly Lamb and Natalie Lamb. He was a loved brother to Flaughn Lamb, Leon Lamb, Shirley Nicholson and Lynn Lamb and an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

He loved farming and began doing so at age 6. He raised many crops but the most important thing he raised was his family. His motto was "Strive to Persevere" and he taught them that "Money is not what is important in life. What's important are people and your relationship with them." He developed lifelong friendships and was always available to lend a helping hand.

He owned and operated Lamb Fruit Company from 1969 to the present. He sold chemicals, fertilizer, Myers and John Bean sprayers and parts. He served on several boards including: FHA Advisory Committee, NC Apple Growers Association, Mountain Bank Board of Directors and Carolina First Board of Directors. In 2010, he was inducted into the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame. He was the Grand Marshall of the NC Apple Festival Parade in 2011 and also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association that same year.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

He was a member of Kings Grove Baptist Church where his visitation and funeral will be held. The visitation will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2013, and the service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2013, with the Rev. Phillip Capell officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kings Grove Baptist Church building fund, in care of Wilma Summey, 3034 Pace Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.