Douglas McCoy Lam

Douglas McCoy Lam

Douglas McCoy Lam, 73, of Blue Ridge, Va., succumbed to cancer on Sunday, November 8, 2009, after a long and courageous battle, surrounded by his three daughters and in the arms of his loving wife. He was born on June 16, 1936, in Floyd County, the only son of the late James T. and Hava Hylton Lam. He was reared in Montvale by his grandparents, the late Ira G. and Eveline C. Lam. Doug served as an MP in the United States Army, including an extended tour of duty during the Berlin and Cuban crises. He was also employed by C&P and Bell Atlantic Telephone Co. with 38 years of faithful service. During eight years of his retirement, he worked for Bedford County Waste Management. Doug was a member of Walnut Grove Union Church and an associate member of Bedford Christian Church. He was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Doug was in his element when he was gardening, crafting wood, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, bowling, walking in his beloved mountains surrounding the farm on which he was raised, enjoying God's natural beauty, and spending time with his family and precious grandchildren. Doug was voted "class comedian" during his high school years and he maintained that wit and sense of good humor throughout his life, always possessing a warm smile and friendly, caring disposition. Doug was also preceded in death by a special uncle, Ira Clyde Lam; sisters, Hava Ruth Gayhardt, Evelyn L. Stanley, Vera L. Hodakoski, Laura Alice Lam; and brothers-in-law, Gene Jones, Troy Falls and Joy Falls. Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted and loving wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara W. Lam; three daughters who adored him dearly, Cynthia Gail and husband, David Higgins, Mary Allison and husband, Roger Boardwine, and Kelly Suzanne and husband, Rob Ward III; seven grandchildren, Carmen Nicole and husband, Jeff Smith, Michael McCoy (Cory) and Emilee Gail Higgins, Mary Grace and Alexander Douglas Boardwine, Hayley Abigail and Madelyn Suzanne Ward; and two great-granddaughters, Avrey Elizabeth and Pyper Nicole Smith. Doug also shared a close bond with his three surviving sisters, Elsie L. Jones, Gladys L. Falls-Leftwich and husband, Gerald, and Verda L. Falls. Also, brothers-in-law, Donald R. Stanley and Clem R. Hodakoski; sisters-in-law, Rebecca W. and J.C. Lewis III and Peggy W. Leffel; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, special co- workers, friends and neighbors. The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Nelson B. Greene, Dr. William A. Fintel and his devoted and caring staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care and Good Samaritan Hospice. Thank you for your love, support and encouragement. Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory in Bedford. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at Bedford Christian Church with the Rev. Bill Moore and the Rev. George Stewart officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Union Church cemetery with Full Military Rites by American Legion Post #16, Lynchburg. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers might consider Bedford Christian Church Building Fund, 1928 Moneta Road, Bedford, Va. 24523 or Walnut Grove Union Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 299, Montvale, Va. 24122. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, Va., 540-586-3443. To send email condolence please visit www.tharp funeralhome.com.