Michael Wayne Lambert

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 20th at 1 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service immediately following at 2 p.m. with Pastor Tim Fields officiating.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Reginald Erwin Lambert Jr. and Charlie Mae Lambert, and his brother, Gary Stephen Lambert Sr.

Mike is survived by his wife Carolyn Kay Lambert, daughters Kristin Walters and Kelly Lambert; grandchildren Ruby Walters and Rosemary Walters, brothers Reginald E. “Reg” Lambert, III (Terri) and William “Bill” Lambert (Sandy); Sister Susan “Sue” Lambert Dwyer (Harry); and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Mike was born and raised in the Mobile, Alabama, area and had a lifelong love of the Gulf Coast and the outdoors. He served in the United States Navy and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in forestry, then worked at Gulf States Paper, where he met his wife Kay, who was his beloved partner and friend for 43 years. Known for his independent and entrepreneurial spirit, he soon struck out on his own to start a business buying and selling land and timber across the Southeast. Mike and Kay raised two girls, whom he taught to love trees, creeks, and Auburn football, and to watch out for copperheads and tornadoes.

Later, Mike and Kay bought the iconic Tuscaloosa costume and party store Party Makers, which became online retailer Candy Apple Costumes, and for more than two decades worked with his wife, daughters, and many valued employees who became like family over the years. Mike was a dear friend to many, trusted to give great advice and keep any confidence. He was a stickler for being on time and scrupulously honest in business and life.

Mike was an avid hunter for most of his life, but in his retirement years, he mostly preferred watching the deer and other animals on his land. His passion was planting and tending trees and vegetable gardens on his property, and teaching his granddaughters how to swim, drive a golf cart, play basketball, and anything else they wanted to do. He loved playing golf with his brothers and sister, and spending time on his land and at the beach with his family and his dogs, who were his faithful companions to the end.

Sunset Brown-Service Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is honored to serve the Lambert family during their time of bereavement. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetBrown-Funeral.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter.