Raymond Lamar Colburn, U.S. Navy

Raymond Lamar Colburn, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great- grandfather, veteran, church elder, and friend passed away in his home on September 13, 2025. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 19, 1941, Lamar was the only son of Raymond and Grace Colburn. Moving as a child, Lamar spent the remainder of his life in the state of Georgia where he graduated from North Cobb High School in Cobb County.

A patriotic American and proud veteran, Lamar served in the U.S. Navy in the early 1960s and was active in veterans' groups throughout his life.

Lamar married Cobb County native, Sandra Kelly, on September 11, 1965, and resided in Woodstock, GA. Lamar was a caring husband who passed away just two days after buying Sandra flowers for their 60th anniversary.   His devoted care of Sandra was an example of faithfulness in marriage.

Sandra and Lamar were active members of several different churches in Woodstock, Marietta, Jasper, and Calhoun, Georgia.  He served as an Elder in the Marietta Christian Missionary Alliance Church and he served in various leadership positions in several other congregations who were blessed to have them as members.  Lamar visited Nicaragua many times on mission trips to build houses, churches, and improve living conditions in the communities he visited and served. To Lamar, the King James Version of the Bible was the "real" version of the Bible and the only one he would use.   On the day of his death, Lamar's KJV Bible was bookmarked on Ephesians 6 where he had highlighted all of the passages related to the armor of God.   Lamar Colburn was such a man, understated yet strong, and steadfast with his eyes on God.  He was consistently good and kind to others.  His life verse was Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Lamar was a man of many hobbies with a big appetite and a warm heart.  He loved good food and hearty meals.   He enjoyed coin collection, panning for gold, working on cars, car races, fishing, and being outdoors.   He was a lover of dogs and pets of all types.

Lamar began his working life as an employee of Lockheed-Martin but his love of the outdoors and being active led him to open his own business, RLC Tree Service.  Always an accomplished handyman, in retirement Lamar worked for Home Depot.  Lamar was a humble, dependable, honest, and hard-working man.

Preceded in death by his sister, Shirley, his parents and his great-granddaughter, Rosemary, we believe Lamar is reunited and rejoicing with family and friends in heaven.   Lamar is survived by his wife, Sandra, his sister Linda, his son Doug (Leigh), his daughter Cathy (Phil), and his grandsons John (April) and Phillip (Rachel), and his great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Hazel.

A graveside service, open to family and friends, will be held at 11am on Friday, September 19 at the city cemetery in Ellijay, Georgia.   The pallbearers will be Doug Colburn, John Colburn, Phillip Colburn, Phil VanHeirseele, and nephews David Waytovich and Eric or Scott Culp.  The service will be officiated by Lamar's grandson, The Reverend John Colburn.

The family would like to thank Bernhardt Funeral Home for their assistance in preparing for Lamar's burial and service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hero Agriculture in Calhoun, Georgia. To send donations, please visit https://www.heroag.com/donate or mail a check to:

Hero Agriculture

1392 Roland Hayes Pkwy.

Calhoun, GA 30701

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.