On October 3, 2022, William “Tator” Lee Montgomery Lambert passed away unexpectedly in his hometown of Roanoke, Va. He was only 58 years old. William was born on October 26, 1963 to Jean Custer and the late Lewis Lambert.
William had a tumultuous upbringing and left school in ninth grade. Despite trials and tribulations, he later received his GED in December of 1981. In 1988, he met his future wife, Rhonda Fleshman, while working as a truck driver for a moving company. They fell in love quickly and married on May 12, 1990. On March 18, 1992 they welcomed Jennifer Ann Lambert and their family was complete. She would go on to affectionately call him “Daddyman”.
He was a family man who worked hard to provide for his wife and child. The skills he learned he taught himself or learned through Job Corps. He was the finder of lost jewelry, Mr. Fix-It, the electronic guru. William was a quiet man who analyzed situations, had a sense of humor that would leave anyone in tears and his laugh was booming, which might catch one off guard considering he was so quiet. He was strong in different ways throughout his entire life and always had high expectations, but never judged. He loved and cared about his family so much and was always welcoming, making sure that everyone knew they belonged. William was very proud of the daughter he helped raise and became smitten with his grandson Jackson, for whom he was present at his birth. He loved to box, watch UFC and could make a three pointer almost every time. He documented the family’s life extensively with his beloved camcorder and re-watched these videos often. He created a treasure-trove of memories that will be forever cherished by his family. His bowling skills were top notch and his fishing skills were mediocre at best, but despite this he loved his time cruising in the Playbuoy on Smith Mountain Lake while listening to classic rock. He became Master of the Traeger in his later years and spoiled his pitbull Sugar rotten with his delicious home-cooked meals. William cultivated innumerable friendships during his 58 years of life. He helped people move, build structures, loaned tools and generally made himself available wherever he could be useful. William was always supportive, accountable and more importantly present. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.
In addition to his father, William was predeceased by his brother, Alan Lambert and his beloved grandmother, Audrey Mae Brown Lambert Ratliff and sister-in-law, Kathy. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda and daughter, Jennifer (Jonathan), as well as his beloved grandson, Jackson Herman. He is also survived by his mother, Jean and siblings, Preston (Cookie), Donna (Richie), Jimmy, Scott, and Kevin (Shirley), as well as sister-in-law, Wanda Lambert. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts and extended family and friends that will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (https://nami.org/About-NAMI/Donate-to-NAMI). They also further request that you have a cold Miller High Life in his honor. William will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched.
Greater Roanoke Area USBC 