Fuquay-Varina- Garland Edward McLamb, age 88, passed away at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease on October 14, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Thomas Funeral Home Chapel, 401 North Ennis Street Fuquay-Varina. Interment will immediately follow the funeral at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh.

Garland was born on February 5, 1936, in Harnett County. He was the son of the late Maude Gilbert and Johnny McLamb.

Garland was a long-time member of Kennebec Baptist Church in Angier, NC. He served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and on many committees. He was also an integral part of physically helping to build the current location of Kennebec Baptist Church.

Garland had a tremendous work ethic. After working at Kings Auto Service and Sir Walter Chevrolet in Raleigh, with the love and support of his wife, Phyllis, he founded McLamb’s Auto Shop in 1969. Garland worked many long days and hours to make this business a success and to provide well for his family. After years of a successful repair shop and towing company, the business expanded in 1990 to McLamb’s Auto Shop and Salvage, Inc. where he worked with his two sons, Andy and Alex. Because Garland’s passion was towing and recovery, he formed McLamb’s Towing and Recovery where he worked this business until 2019. He had a passion for flying. He was a member of the Kennebec Flying Club for many years. He enjoyed many years of flying and socializing at the airport.

Garland also enjoyed many years of playing softball on the Kennebec Baptist Church Softball Team. He had a lot of fun time pitching and being the “old guy” on the team. He was well respected by all the young guys on the team as well as other players in the league.

In addition to his parents, Garland was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Phyllis Jones McLamb; sisters, Evadean Davis, Myrtice Gilbert, Pauline Smith and Patsy Moore.

He is survived by his sons, Andy McLamb and wife, LuAnne of Angier, Alex McLamb and wife, Vanessa of Fuquay-Varina; grandchildren, Andrea McLamb Westmoreland and husband, Will of Myrtle Beach, SC, Ava McLamb, Christian McLamb, Alexander McLamb and Brogan McLamb all of Fuquay-Varina; two great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Anne Westmoreland and Daniel Westmoreland.

The family would like to thank all the people that visited and checked on Dad over the past three years. Your kindness shown toward him is greatly appreciated. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to all the staff and nurses at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield for all the care and compassion shown to our Dad over the past two weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SECU Hospice House of UNC Health Johnston in memory of Garland. When mailing, please send them to Johnston Health Foundation, 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC 27577. Checks should be made payable to Johnston Health Foundation. In memo line designate Hospice Fund-Garland McLamb

Known by his grandchildren as “Papa”, his love for them was evident whenever they would visit. Having placed his faith in Christ as a young man, after his late wife passed away his relationship and faith in Christ was apparent to all who encountered him. To honor this, his family also ask in lieu of flowers, any donations are contributed to a church that boldly proclaims the Word of God.