Little River, South Carolina, November 17, 2025
News Summary
The Little River community mourns the passing of Thurmon McLamb, a dedicated philanthropist and golf advocate who significantly contributed to Clemson University and local golf initiatives. McLamb’s legacy includes his roles as a contractor, community leader, and devoted family man, reflecting a life rich in service and love. He left an indelible mark on the local community through his achievements and passionate support for Clemson athletics.
Little River Remembers a Pillar of the Community: Thurmon McLamb Passes at 90
It is with a heavy heart that the community of Little River, South Carolina, mourns the recent passing of a cherished local philanthropist and dedicated supporter of Clemson University, Thurmon McLamb. Born on March 19, 1935, to Ellis Layton McLamb and Stella Mae McLamb, Thurmon lived a life that was a true testament to community service and passionate advocacy.
Academic and Athletic Achievements
Thurmon graduated salutatorian from Wampee High School, where he not only excelled in academics but also showcased his athletic talents in both baseball and basketball. He took his talents to Clemson University in 1953, attending the institution when it was still an all-male military college and focusing on civil engineering.
A Lifelong Advocate for Clemson University
Thurmon’s love for Clemson was evident throughout his life. He was repeatedly honored with the title of “Tiger of the Year” by the Horry County Clemson Club and served on multiple boards, including the Clemson Board of Visitors and the Clemson Athletic Council. His commitment extended to the Clemson Alumni Association, where he was a National Council member. For over 40 years, he remained active on the IPTAY Board and played a vital role as President of the IPTAY Scholarship Fund for two terms.
Building a Legacy Together
Thurmon was not just a family man but also a successful businessman. He partnered with his father in the construction industry, working as a contractor and developer for more than 45 years. He owned a golf course and was instrumental in hosting the Cypress Bay Clemson Golf Tournament. His dedication to Clemson Athletics was unmatched; he followed the teams passionately, traveling across the country and even internationally to support the Tigers.
Community Engagement and Recognition
The community of Little River benefited from Thurmon’s deep-rooted desire to make a difference. He served as President of The Little River Improvement Association and was named “Citizen of the Year” in 1977. His community service efforts didn’t stop there; he also held the position of President of the North Strand Civitan Club and acted as Lieutenant Governor of Civitan International. In addition, Thurmon was a proud Life Member of Masonic Lodge #392 in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Public Service and Aviation Adventures
Thurmon had a fruitful career in public service as well. By 2022, he had served as a South Carolina State Constable for over 35 years. He made a mark in the banking industry as a Director for Horry County National Bank, navigating multiple mergers with Southern National Bank and BB&T. Aside from that, he managed the operations of Myrtle Beach International Airport and other local airports as the Chair of the Horry County Airport Commission. Thurmon even went on to construct Cypress Bay Airport in Little River, demonstrating his commitment to the business needs of the community.
A Love That Endured
Thurmon’s personal life was equally fulfilling. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Mary Diane Wiley, and the two celebrated over 65 years of a loving partnership. Together, they raised three children: a daughter, Sabrina, and sons Luke (deceased) and Ashley, who graduated from Clemson. The couple brought joy to their family with six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A Passion for Faith
Thurmon was a devoted member of North Myrtle Beach First Baptist Church since 1951. He used his talent for teaching by leading a Sunday School class for over 43 years, and he participated in the church choir for more than 60 years. His commitment led him to be ordained as a Deacon at just 21 years of age and to serve in various leadership roles throughout the years, earning recognition as a Life Deacon.
Legacy and Remembrance
As family and friends gather for a funeral service on November 18, 2025, at First Baptist Church in North Myrtle Beach, they will reflect on Thurmon McLamb’s incredible life—a life dedicated to family, faith, community, and his beloved Clemson University. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of North Myrtle Beach or to IPTAY of Clemson University.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Thurmon McLamb
- Wikipedia: Community Service
- Dignity Memorial: Mary Diane McLamb
- Google Search: Thurmon McLamb
- Dignity Memorial: Rita McLamb
- Google Scholar: Thurmon McLamb
- Rock River Current: Eric Thurmond
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
- Carolina Sportsman: Stone Cold Stripers
- Google News: Little River SC
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
