Ray Allen Lambert, Sr.

Ray Allen Lambert, Sr., 92, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023. He was born in Burke County, son of the late Thomas Andrew Lambert and Lucy Jane Smith Lambert. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Eula Ellen Thomas Lambert; his son, Ray Lambert, Jr.; his great-grandson, River Ross; and nine of his siblings, Andrew Lambert, Elsie Jacumin, Russell Lambert, Lynn Lambert, Lula Arrowood, Ruby Ratliff, Lewis Lambert, Betty Watts, and Glenda Boughman.

Mr. Lambert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He married Eula Thomas in 1951 and they raised four children together, Allen, Renea, Mark, and Tommy. Mark was also the in-home caregiver for his father's final years. Mr. Lambert loved spending time with his family while fishing and was an avid fisherman during his life.

He is survived by his children, Renea Hargett (Wesley), Mark Lambert, and Tommy Lambert (Heather); his grandchildren, Shea Kegley (Chris), Jordon Hargett (Savannah), Jessica Ross (Josh), Blair Lambert, Caleb Lambert (Macie), and Zach Broome (Tia); his great-grandchildren, Peyton Kegley, Logan Kegley, Dalton Kegley (Bre), Macy Hargett, Mady Hargett, Ella Hargett, Jay Hargett, Emoree Ross, Kinley Ray Lambert, and Piper Broome; his great-great-grandchildren, Huxley Kegley, and Berkley Kyles; his sister, Bernice Franklin; and his fur baby, Allie.

Mr. Lambert loved God and his country, and proudly served both throughout his life of service. He was a member of South Point Freewill Baptist Church, former Sunday School Superintendent, Men's Sunday School teacher, drove the church bus, and sang with his wife and sisters for 42 years on WCGC Radio in Belmont. He also led a nursing home ministry, helped with a TV ministry in Hickory, and volunteered to feed the homeless population of Gastonia. His military service culminated as a Sergeant with the United States Army and he served in the Korean Conflict from 1950-1953. Afterwards, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

Often sharing his wisdom with family and friends, Mr. Lambert was known for his quote, "Whether I go or whether I stay, I'm a winner either way..."

The Lambert family would like to send their deepest gratitude to all of the healthcare professionals at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Robin Johnson Hospice House, Gaston Hospice and Palliative Care, and Bayada Home Health Care for the exceptional care and kindness that they gave to their father.

The family will greet guests from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr. Lambert will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at South Point Freewill Baptist Church, 297 Gaither Road, Belmont. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery in Mount Holly. Woodlawn Funeral Home is caring for the family of Mr. Lambert. Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ray Allen Lambert, Sr., please visit our floral store.