Ricky McLamb

Mr. Ricky McLamb, 59, of Raleigh, NC was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on July 3, 2025. A Memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM Friday July 11, 2025 at St. Matthew AME Church,1629 Bennett St., Raleigh, NC, preceded by family visitation at 11:30 AM.

Ricky was born to the late Alfonza and the late Rena H. McLamb on November 26, 1965.  He devoted his life to service and being an advocate for Early Childhood Education, graduated from Hobbton High School in Newton Grove. 

At the age of 18  Ricky enlisted in the Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Corpal (CPL E-4). He later became a Military Police Accident Investigator. During his service, he provided expertise in policing, detainment, and stability operations in order to enhance security and enable mobility. He received many accolades during his service as a Marine.

After completing his military service, Ricky became interested in Early Childhood Education. He would later develop a passion for Special Education leading him into becoming a Special Education Teacher. He enrolled at Wake Technical Community College and received an Associate Degree in  Early Childhood Education. During this time he became a teacher assistant and a teacher at Happy Face Preschool, a five star preschool located in Raleigh, NC. He received a Bachelors of Science in Child Development at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Ricky demonstrated his characteristic determination by pursuing higher education. Understanding and seeing first hand the rise in children with special needs he obtained a Masters in Special Education. 

Upon leaving Happy Face Preschool he started working at Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center located in Raleigh. He was employed with the school upon his death.  He loved working at Frankie Lemmon. His director describes him, "As a big-hearted Marine, a proud country boy, a loving husband who was best friends with his wife, someone who’d give you the shirt off his back (and probably tell you you’re not wearing yours right), and a teacher who showed up every single day ready to love his kids—and not just “his” kids, but every child in the school building."

In the classroom, he demonstrated an ability to remain calm and encouraging in challenging situations, providing support to students with diverse needs. Ricky motivated children to reach their full potential and overcome challenges. Going beyond teaching, with listening, and offering guidance, he created a safe space for children, parents, colleagues, and community shareholders.  Parents describe him as an amazing teacher. A true class act. Ricky was seen as a hero to many children and he will be missed and remembered forever.

Preceded in death by his mother Rena H. McLamb, his father Alfonza McLamb, sisters, Stella McLamb, and Janet Lindsey, brothers, David McLamb, Billy McLamb, Jerry McLamb, Eugene McLamb, Kenneth Mclamb, and Alfonza McLamb. 

Ricky is survived by his wife Ferali Puerta of Raleigh, NC; two daughters, Dominique McLamb of Wlimington, NC and Jessi McLamb of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, one son Matthew McLamb of Denver, Colorado, one brother, Jimmy McLamb (Jannie) of Clinton, NC and three sisters; Joyce M. Robinson (Tommy) of Raleigh, NC, Bettie Daughtry of Raleigh, NC, Tarsha Boone (Terrell) of Clinton, NC. He has one granddaughter that he loved and was proud of Nyla of Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by his fur baby Lucy, who was his best friend that he loved very much. He had a vast number of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Click here for  live stream:

https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/celebration-of-life-for-ricky-mclamb

https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/celebration-of-life-for-ricky-mclamb

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