Arthur Ray Lambert

Arthur Ray Lambert, 81, of Tampa, passed on Monday, February 15, 2016. Beloved brother, husband, father and grandfather, Ray was born in Arkansas, and moved to Palm River as a child. He worked for the Merchant Marines out of the Port of Tampa during the early 50s. He later worked in a family butcher shop in Ruskin, then as a general contractor in Texas and Florida. He retired as an escort truck driver after driving the country gaining material for his music. Ray loved fishing, and writing and singing bluegrass gospel music and recorded five albums of his music. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur N and Buelah M (Grant) Lambert, brother Bill J. Lambert, daughter Jami Joanne Sardegna, and grandson Charles Anthony. He is survived by his fiancée Judy DuBose of Tampa, brother Virgil Lambert of Illinois, two sisters Betty (Harold) Talley of Georgia, Patricia Bedard of New Mexico; his children Terry Wayne (Susan) Lambert of Arkansas, four daughters Lois Lynn (Michael) Lambert of Maryland, Bettye Jeanette (Steven) Lambert-Hartman of Tampa, Judy Ann Connell of Margate, Joani (Michael) Hatch of Tampa, Nancy Joan (Kealani) Lambert of California; his grandchildren: James (Cristy), Renae, Cathlyne, Shea (John), Jessica (Del), Sean (Amanda), Garrett, Brandee, Jennifer, Meagan, Kelsey, Alexander; and 17 great-grandchildren. private service will be held on Saturday from 2-5 at Ray's favorite backyard pavilion (Steven and Jeanette's house).