Jackie McLamb

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Jackie McLamb, age 74, on Saturday, May 24th, at his niece’s home in Spring Lake, NC, surrounded by his loving family.

Jackie was born on December 2, 1950, at Good Hope Hospital in Erwin, NC, to the late Garland and Vada McLamb.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Vernon and Leroy McLamb, and his cousin Kenneth McLamb, whom he loved like a brother.

Jackie is survived by his son, Justin Garland McLamb of Wake Forest, NC; granddaughters Alyssa and Ashlynn McLamb of Dunn, NC; sister Doris (Ray) Moore of Spring Lake, NC; devoted caregiver and friend Bonnie Peele of Spring Lake; and his beloved furry companion, Clyde.

He shared a close bond with each of his eight nieces and nephews, who affectionately considered him the “fun uncle.” He was deeply loved and adored by them all.

Jackie grew up working in his parents' mobile home park on Murchison Road in Fayetteville. After graduating from Pine Forest High School, he earned a degree in Heating and Air from Fayetteville Tech.

He briefly moved to Durham, NC, for work, but soon returned home to be near his aging parents, whom he dearly missed. He then joined his brother-in-law, Ray Moore, in launching an auto salvage business in 1976. As the counterman, Jackie was instrumental to its success, known for his excellent customer service and remarkable ability to remember every part on the salvage yard. His kind and humble nature earned him many lifelong friendships among customers and coworkers alike.

Later, Jackie founded his own company, Fayetteville Auto Service, which he ran successfully until his health began to decline.

A passionate fisherman, Jackie was beloved for his humility, kindness, and charm. A natural storyteller and jokester, he could keep an audience laughing until it hurt.

In his later years, Jackie faced Lewy Body Dementia with grace and resilience. For seven years, he lived a peaceful and content life on the family farm with his niece, Kim and sister, Dorris. He spent his days watching The Andy Griffith Show, supervising farm chores, and going on fishing trips with loved ones. True to his adventurous spirit, he bought his dream car—a bright orange Dodge Challenger with a HEMI—because he’d always wanted one. Even after he could no longer drive, he found joy simply sitting in it, listening to the Statler Brothers on the stereo.

Jackie was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Church, 2061 Raynor McLamb Road, Linden, NC. Burial will follow in the McLamb Memorial Gardens, Linden.

In honor of Jackie’s lifelong love for dogs, memorial donations may be made to the Harnett County Animal Shelter in Lillington, NC.