Luther Lamb

Luther C. "Papaw" Lamb passed away on May 3, 2021 at his home in Oliver Springs, TN at the blessed age of 97. He would probably tell us that he didn't pass away but rather had to leave for a special date to surprise his bride, Sarah "Nanny" Lamb on May 4 for what would have been their 70th anniversary celebration after 24 years of separation. The number 70 is seen many times in the Bible and stands for perfect completeness and restoration. How fitting for their reunion.
Luther "Papaw" lived a blessed 97 years that are far beyond what only a few may ever experience. Papaw liked to brag that he had 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and he loved them all.
Luther "Papaw" Lamb was born on December 5, 1923 in Rich Mountain, TN to Willis E. Lamb and Myrtle Alice Tye Lamb.
Luther came to Oak Ridge in the early 1950's following World War II. His first job in Oak Ridge was working as a carpenter apprentice helping to build flat top houses that are located all around the east end of Oak Ridge. Luther later worked as an automobile mechanic at several gas station garages located around Oak Ridge over the next 25 years. The oil embargo of the 1970's forced him to change gears and he went to work installing and servicing laundromat equipment all around East Tennessee. Luther and Sarah would eventually purchase a coin laundromat that they operated in Clinton, TN as Lamb's Laundry providing coin laundry service along with contract laundry services for several manufacturers in the Clinton area until he officially retired near the age of 75. After retiring, he declared that he had 40 years of fishing to catch up on and he proceeded to fulfill that desire with a passion. On any day and in any type of weather Luther could be spotted at Clark Center Park with not one but several baited lines in the water as enticement for that next "big one" to join him at the dinner table.
Luther was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah, his parents, Willis and Myrtle Alice Lamb, all of his siblings, a son, Billy Lamb, a grandson, Caleb Huddleston, and a granddaughter, Dawna Lamb. As Luther would often say, "Look what I started" as he leaves behind sons Ernie and wife Debbie Lamb of Oliver Springs, TN and Charles and wife Sheryl Lamb of Amarillo, TX; and daughters Linda and husband Gary Williams of Berea, KY, and Rosie and husband Cecil Huddleston of Harriman, TN; as well as grandchildren: Andy Lamb (Mshaun), Nathan Lamb, Rikki Lamb, Matthew Lamb, Derek Lamb, Kevin Lamb (Erin), Adam Lamb (Shalane), Alex Williams (Jill), Tyger Taylor (Ben), Zach Williams, and Jacob Huddleston (Victoria). However, the biggest smile on Papaw's face came from watching his 11 great grandchildren: Audra Lamb, Jenson Lamb, Nathan Lamb Jr., Nicholas Lamb, Michael Lamb, Winter Lamb, Hayes Lamb, Rian Lamb, Grady Lamb, Billie Mae Lamb, and Matthew Taylor.
A special friend and fishing buddy, Don Leach, has faithfully called and checked on Luther every day around supper time for several years. He didn't carry on a long conversation with the calls but Luther would look forward to the calls from his friend commenting that "it's about time for Don to call" and if he didn't receive a call then Luther would call his friend instead. The family appreciates the love and concern that was demonstrated by these telephone calls.
Over the past year plagued by the chaos caused by the Covid pandemic, Luther received special medical care from nurses Jason Robinson and Bryhana Adams. The family really appreciates the care and love that they showed to Papaw.
Visitation is set from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, May 7 at New Life Church of the Nazarene, 200 Lafayette Drive in Oak Ridge, TN, with the Celebration of Life to follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Keith Robinson officiating. Graveside services will be at Anderson Memorial Garden at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 8.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Life Church of the Nazarene.