Ronald Wayne Lamm

Ronald Wayne Lamm, 80, of Ruckersville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home, Tuesday, February 13th 2018, with his wife, Mary Catherine, by his side. Ronnie was born July 5, 1937, in Charlottesville, Virginia, to the late Sterling W. & Martha Lamm.

Ronnie, a life-long resident of Greene County, graduated from William Monroe High School in 1954. He attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky until he became ill with rheumatic fever. Once recovered, he continued his education at The University of Virginia. During college, Ronnie began working in the parts department of Sears Roebuck on Allied Street in Charlottesville. After 20 years with Sears, moving from parts clerk to Main Street Store Assistant Manager, he retired to pursue a career with Southern Farm Bureau Insurance in Greene County. Starting in sales, he found his niche visiting with and helping people. He was recognized throughout his tenure with Farm Bureau, retiring in 1995 as Virginia District Manager. He and his wife enjoyed traveling with the Farm Bureau group during his time with the company.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment and first career love was the Corner Store and later Corner Store Garden Center in Ruckersville. It was there that he was able to talk to and share with people from Greene and surrounding counties. In this role, he connected with both his father who was a merchant, owing the Gulf Oil Service Station in Ruckersville, and his mother, who cultivated wonderful flower gardens. Drawing inspiration from both of them, he created a place where many neighbors visited for a warm welcome, a free piece of candy for children, and spirited conversation with Ronnie. He was proud to see this legacy continue with his son, Len, who now owns and operates the Garden Center.

Ronnie was very involved in the Greene County community which he so dearly loved. He served on the Greene County Board of Supervisors from 1976-1983, the Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Department, the Greene County Fair Board when the fair was revitalized, and as Deacon at Spring Hill Baptist Church for many years. Perhaps his greatest joy was his family. Since the time his children, Ronda and Len, and nephew and niece, Brad Berry and Mary Knight, were young, continuing on with their children, he loved attending their sporting, band and church events. From family vacations to backyard community events, such as the 4th of July, spending time with family and friends was something he cherished.

Ronnie is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Mary Catherine Lamm; his daughter Ronda Lamm Puryear; his son Leonard Lamm and wife Elizabeth Coppolino; his grandchildren Angie Bartles (Brett), Josh Lamm (Caroline), Kate Colvin (Stephen), Neil Lamm (Bri), Max Lamm; his niece Mary Elisabeth Knight (Gregg, Blair, Tyler, Satchel); his nephew Brad Berry (Suzanne, Luke); sister-in-law, Ann Toms; and cherished friend, Steve Morris (Cathy, "Pee Wee", Pam). He is preceded in death by his two sisters Kay Taylor Jarvis and Martha Marie (Ree) Lamm;son-in-law Rich Puryear;and brother-in-law, Alvin Toms.

The family will receive friends from 6-8p.m., Friday, February 16, 2018 at Spring Hill Baptist Church. Ronnie will be laid to rest Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Spring Hill Baptist Church on Advanced Mill Road in Ruckersville, Virginia, with Pastor Steve Nethery officiating.

Interment will follow at the Church cemetery.

An online guestbook is available at www.ryanfuneral.com.

Ryan Funeral Home of Ruckersville is handling the arrangements.