Obituary of Thomas Lambert

Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Lambert January 30, 1927 - January 27, 2011 Thomas Jefferson Lambert was born in Tazewell, Tennessee on January 30, 1927. He was one of twelve children born from the union of the late Samuel Lambert and the late Martha (Hensley) Lambert. He served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army from June of 1945 until February of 1947 upon which time he moved to Michigan to find work. Thomas married the former Georgia England in Middlesboro, Kentucky on March 2, 1947. From their union came the birth of six children. Thomas worked for thirty-eight years for the Ford Motor Company retiring on January 1, 1989. He had worked as a Hi-Lo Driver or Forklift Operator. Thomas attended the Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center. He enjoyed collecting knives, deer hunting, and fishing with his best friend Jimbo. He loved to camp, was an avid gardener, and was very talented as a woodworker. In 2004 Thomas and Georgia moved to Tennessee to be closer to their children. Georgia passed away on February 24, 2009. Thomas Jefferson Lambert age 83 of Monroe passed away at Medilodge of Monroe on Thursday morning, January 27, 2011. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife his passing was preceded by five brothers: Lincoln, Hubert, Luther, Denver, and Buford Lambert, and three sisters: Gipsie Massingill, Patsy Anderson, and Rettie Hill. He leaves to cherish his memory six children: Phyllis (Daniel) Setphin of Hixson, TN, Judy (Earl) Stinson of Knoxville, TN, Larry (Sandra) Lambert of Monroe, Linda (Robert) Haynes of Hixson, TN, Brenda (Carl) Vloch of Williamston, MI, and Jeff (Tammy) Lambert of Stockbridge; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and three sisters: Lillie Smith of Monroe, Leeoria Rice of Monroe, and Loria Swope of Tennessee. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday, January 28, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am, Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Stewart Road Christian Ministries, 1198 Stewart Road. The Rev. Fred Swank and Dr. Joseph Byrd will co-officiate. Veteran's services will follow under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. Graveside services will take place at 3:00pm, Sunday, January 30, 2011 at the Norris Memorial Gardens in Norris, Tennessee.