Joel Lambert Jr.

Joel Lambert Jr., died May 7, 2013, at the age of 89, in Sarasota, Florida. Long time resident of Stuart, Va., originally from Holly Grove, Ark. Joel always emphasized his being "Joel Junior" out of great respect and reverence for his father whom he deemed to be the "Greatest man in the world."  Previous to being a Naval Commander of 21 years with tours of duty in many countries in both the Atlantic and Pacific, Joel attended Universities of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and US Navy Postgraduate School with degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and membership in the Aeronautical Engineering Honor Society (ΤΩ) and ΣΑΕ fraternities. Upon Naval retirement, he joined Merrill Lynch and then was manager of Conti Commodities in Memphis, Tenn. He loved studying stock and commodity markets and was in the industry for 30 years. He was part owner of the Memphis Rogues, a professional soccer team, an avid reader and loved fine automobiles and classic movies. Joel was always active in the Presbyterian Church as an Elder and was named Elder Emeritus in 2009 by Stuart Presbyterian Church. Joel was a positive thinker. Everyone who asked "How are you doing?" would receive his reply: "Terrific!" Believed in never saying anything bad about anyone and refused to allow his sons to do so either. Joel never complained, so his health care providers and family had to work hard to get him to say if he was in pain; but it was deeper than his tolerance of pain; it was the depth of his character and absolute commitment to never complain. He took special loving care of his mother, Miriam, Aunt Martha Lou and would do anything for his wife and family. There will never be anyone else like him. Survived by wife of 65 years, Lee Lambert in Venice, Fla.; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and April Lambert; grandchildren, Chase, Sawyer and Autumn of Sarasota, Fla.; son and daughter-in-law, Keith Winston and Elaine Lambert of California; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Maribelle Lambert of Arkansas; and nieces and nephews, Bobby, Evelyn, Paul, Steve and Ted Lambert. Preceded in death by brother, Walker; and son, David.