Donny Lamb Obituary

A proud Myrtle Beach native, Donny spent nearly his whole life along the Grand Strand-except for one pivotal detour at age 18, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served stateside during the Vietnam War. When his service ended, Donny returned home and pursued a Psychology Degree at Coastal Carolina University and later a Culinary Arts degree. He often joked that the psychology degree was the only way to survive in the restaurant business and anyone who knew Donny has heard the stories of all the "characters" he has met along the way. His culinary journey began modestly at Pizza Villa and later moved on to The Library Restaurant where he perfected his now-famous Caesar dressing, followed by joining the Cagney's family a short time later. It was during this time, he met the love of his life, Julie Brophy. Six years of young love and shared laughs-turned into 42 years of marriage and never an angry word. With mentorship from local legends Dino Thompson and Dino Drosas, Donny took a leap of faith in 1985, teaming up with longtime friend Bruce Watts to open one of the first oceanfront restaurants in Surfside Beach, the Conch Café. That same year, he stepped into another lifelong role-fatherhood. Donny liked to say that opening a restaurant and becoming a dad in the same year was "either genius or insanity," and he felt it was probably a little bit of both. For the next 36 years, alongside Bruce and Holly Watts, Donny built the Conch Café into a beloved coastal landmark. Donny was known not just for his generous "tips" but for the life advice, sharp wit, and perfectly timed one-liners he dispensed like seasoning-sometimes salty, always memorable. His gift for storytelling made him unforgettable, the kind of person who could turn an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable experience. Donny loved sharing quiet nights at home with his love watching a movie (as long as it was action packed), overnight trips to Charleston, long days at the beach with his girls, poolside laughs with his granddaughter, and the cherished camaraderie of his unofficial "Donny Lamb Fan Club." He was the heartbeat of many happy hours, the source of countless (sometimes inappropriate) laughs, and the keeper of a thousand stories that will be retold for many years to come. To know Donny was to feel seen, heard, and welcomed. He never knew a stranger-just friends he hadn't talked to yet-always leaving a lasting impression. He was a true example of a life well lived. Donny's lifelong passion was tennis, playing at least 3 times a week for the last 50 years. One of his bucket list moments came in 2019, when he attended the U.S. Open with his daughters and watched his favorite player, Roger Federer, play on Arthur Ashe Stadium. At that moment, Donny decided in his next life, he'd come back as a "tennis star with new knees". Donny is preceded in death by his parents William and Lena Lamb, brothers Kenneth and Danny, and sister Linda. He is survived by his loving wife, Julie Brophy Lamb; two daughters, Aubrey Ervin (husband Hayden Ervin), Kayla Lamb, and one granddaughter, Ella Ervin. He is also survived by his brothers, William S. Lamb Jr. (wife Christel Lamb) of Columbia, and James C. Lamb (wife Frances Lamb) of Myrtle Beach, as well as an extended family of friends, colleagues, and fans who adored him. Although his loved ones didn't have the opportunity to hear his famous parting words one last time, the family knows they would have been - 'love ya - mean it'. A Service of Remembrance will be held at The Village House at Litchfield Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 4pm to 8pm. The family invites everyone to honor Donny's legacy by bringing your favorite Donny story to share-because if there was one thing he believed in, it was going out with a good story, a hearty laugh, and a 'Donny Pour' with the people he loved most. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donny Gene Lamb, please visit our floral store.