John William Lambert, Jr., age 105, entered eternal rest on March 14, 2024, in Roswell, Georgia. John was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Shirley Rose Lambert. Born on October 5th, 1918, in Atlanta, Georgia, John was the grandson of a pioneer minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He felt called to the ministry as a young man, and attended Johnson Bible College, receiving his A.B. in 1940. He continued his education at Butler University, receiving his B.D. in 1945 and his M.A. in 1946.
Ordained in 1937, he served pastorates for both independent Christian churches and cooperative Christian churches in Indiana, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Kentucky, beginning as a student pastor and continuing until his retirement. He continued to serve the church in various capacities throughout his retirement.
John was a devoted son, brother, husband, and father. His many passions included theology, history, poetry, literature, and flowers.
He is survived by four children, Penny Rodzewicz of Marietta, GA, John W. Lambert (Glenna) of Cullman, AL, Mary Carol Malcom (Ansel) of Front Royal, VA, Sarah Beth Simonds (Bob) of Gastonia, NC; seven grandchildren, Chris Rodzewicz (Mimi), Nicole McMurphy, Joseph Lambert, Katie Thompson (Kellen), Jacob Malcom (Anna), Addie Simkhovitch (Ronnie), Will Malcom (Kayla); and fourteen great-grandchildren, Blair Rodzewicz, Clyde Rodzewicz, Troy Rodzewicz, Lauren McMurphy, Luke McMurphy, Hayden Lambert, Katelyn Thompson, Wyatt Thompson, Deacon Thompson, McKenzie Thompson, Lark Malcom, Dustin Simkhovitch (Hannah), William Malcom, Ella Malcom.
The family will receive friends at Peachtree Christian Church on Tuesday, April 9th, at 10 AM followed by a funeral service at 11 AM. After a brief reception, burial will be at College Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Johnson University-Knoxville campus.
