William Chester Lambert Jr.

William Chester Lambert Jr (Bill), passed from this earth into the presence of his savior, Jesus Christ, on June 16, 2023. He was born to the late William Chester Lambert Sr. and Leta Hearn Lambert on February 26, 1934 in Birmingham, AL. William moved to Gadsden, AL as a young boy where his father opened 3 Lambert Food Stores that instilled in him his strong work ethic.

He started sweeping the stores at age 6 and obtained his driver’s license at age 14 to deliver groceries before and after school. His stories of childhood entertained his entire family, from beginning Eleventh Street School with his best friend for life, Jack R. Morgan, to his stories of his beloved horses, Boy Scout and Indian Head.

Bill told tales of countless pranks, many done in high school. One found him and his friends “borrowing” a cow to lead up the steps of Gadsden High School to the second floor to greet students in a classroom the next morning. As a 16 year old, he had given up women before meeting his bride for life, Norma Ann Kelton, who predeceased him. Very quickly they had their first son, Dr. William Chester Lambert, III (Denver, CO) who was followed 18 months later with their first daughter, Eve Lambert Soltau (Lookout Mountain, TN). Five years later they welcomed their second daughter and incredibly devoted caregiver, Carol Lambert Smith (Southside, AL).

He is survived by his children and his sons in law, T Scott Soltau and A Keith Smith, beloved grandchildren, Justin, Taylor and Kelton Soltau, Christopher Smith and Hanna Gray, and to his delight, great grandchildren, Brooks, Huck, Millie and Jackson Soltau. In addition, he is survived by beloved first cousins, Carolyn, Joanne, Becky and Hal and 3 nieces (Michelle, Kay and Ann) and his nephew (Bob).

Bill is predeceased by his beloved Boxer’s, Queen 1 and Queen 2, whom he loved deeply. His professed dislike of cats was forgiven by Little Bit, who adopted him after he lost Queen 2 and took up her post by Bill’s side where she spent most of her hours.

He loved his career as a Professional Medical Representative at S E Massengill and later, his very successful career with Abbott Laboratories where he won numerous awards as top representative for the entire country despite his territory being small rural towns in Alabama. He retired early to a second career of managing 4 vacation homes in Destin, Florida and Gatlinburg, TN where he and Norma enjoyed working together.

When he wasn’t working, Bill was raising chickens in his spare time to supplement his family. He loved boating and waterskiing and sailing on Guntersville Lake, the ocean, the mountains, and traveling. He particularly loved traveling to Scotland and Switzerland. Close and dear friends who predeceased him included Jimmy Heaton, Adrian Chandler, Tom Peterson and Ralph Wesley.

His other endeavors include being one of the founding members of Scenic Highland Swim Club and Westminster Christian School, which is now known as Westbrook. He was President of the Board of Directors for both Edgewater Beach and Emerald Shores HOA’s.

But more importantly, Bill loved sharing his faith through giving away spiritual books and mentoring others because of his love for Christ.

Many thanks to his caregivers at Gadsden Health where he spent his last few months. Of special recognition is Norma's best friend from childhood, Joyce Hooton, who joined him and Carol most afternoons drinking coffee, and on his 89th Birthday, they toasted him with Bill III’s favorite champagne.

There will be no formal services except a private graveside interment at Forrest Cemetery in Gadsden, AL. Memorials can be made to John Croyle’s Big Oak Ranch https://www.bigoak.org/donate/ or the American Porphyria Foundation, https://porphyriafoundation.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.morganfuneralchapel.com for the Lambert family.