Lem was born January 3, 1940, in Panama City, Republic of Panama. He was the son of Fate Kirkland and Rosita Sofia Fong-Arriaga.
Growing up he was heavily involved with sports, particularly basketball and baseball. As an adult he played competitive amateur baseball, and he coached and played softball including senior leagues. He retired from the US Postal Service after about 29 years.
He was preceded in death by his first wife JoAnn Wilkerson m: 1961-1987 and his second wife Kathleen Cyr-Sjoberg m: 1989-2025.
He is survived by children: Marlene, Lem Jr. and Brian (stepson), sisters: Arlene and Mireya and grandchildren: (Lem, Jr.) Gabrielle, Camille, Olivia, (Brian) Jackson and Andrew.
Grave side service will be held on Monday January 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Glen Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, Florida.
If anyone desires to send flowers, they may be sent to Baldwin-Fairchild Goldenrod Winter Park Funeral Home
7520 Aloma Drive, Winter Park, Florida 32792
