Dr. M. Ray “Poppy” Lamb, 69, of Johnson City, passed away May 26, 2021, at Johnson City Medical Center, with his family by his side.
Although Ray was a resident of Johnson City, he grew up in Sparta, Tennessee. He was the son of Milliard and Mary Alice Lamb.
Ray graduated from White County High School, in 1970. He graduated from Lipscomb University, in 1975, with a bachelor’s degree, in biochemistry. In 1982, he obtained a Doctor of Medicine from East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine. Dr. Lamb was triple board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology. Dr. Lamb completed a residency in internal medicine at Baptist Memorial Hospital, 1982-1985, in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology at the University of Colorado Center of Health Sciences, 1985-1988.
In addition to his professional life, Ray was an avid hunter, outdoorsmen, and family man. Along with his various accomplishments, he was a 1st Dan Black Belt in Sen-do Combat Karate.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by Dorothye “Dot” Byrd.
Survivors include his two children, Carden Lamb and fiancée Courtney Collins, Kelsey Lamb and fiancé Shawn Nave; two grandchildren, Kylie Lamb and Leah Nave; two brothers, Gil Lamb and Jim Goff; one sister, Bitsy Lamb; several nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends.
Funeral service was 7 p.m., May, 29, 2021, at Tetrick Funeral Services Chapel, in Johnson City. Pastor Bryant Collins officiated.
Tetrick Funeral Services, in Johnson City, was in charge of arrangements.
