Paul Douglas Lambert

Paul Douglas Lambert, 75, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, after a courageous battle with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a form of blood cancer. He was welcomed into the arms of his Savior, leaving behind a legacy of faith, quiet strength, generosity, unwavering love, and just enough mischief to keep those around him smiling. Born October 11, 1950, in Bluefield, West Virginia, Paul was the son of Helen and Raymond Lambert. He later moved with his family to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was raised alongside his brothers David and Bob. From an early age, Paul embraced life with curiosity and purpose. He delivered newspapers, participated in Methodist Youth Fellowship and the church choir, played in school concert and marching bands, and was active as both a Boy Scout and Explorer Scout. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke in 1969 before attending Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1973. During his senior year at Virginia Tech Paul met freshman Jane Moss, who became the love of his life. Their story began with a first date that almost never happened. Fortunately, he made it back in time, and what could have been a disaster became one of the many stories they laughed about throughout their 47 years of marriage. Paul and Jane were married in Richmond, Virginia in 1978. Paul began his engineering career with the Virginia Department of Transportation as a bridge design engineer before relocating to Cary, North Carolina, where he continued his career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and obtained his Professional Engineer license, retiring in 2016 after more than 43 years of dedicated public service. Paul took immense pride in designing and reviewing bridges that would safely serve generations to come. Engineering wasn’t simply his profession; it was one of his passions. Family vacations often included an unexpected detour so Paul could visit a bridge he had designed or admire the engineering of another bridge along the way. Whether traveling through North Carolina or exploring other states, he loved studying the architecture, craftsmanship, and ingenuity behind great bridges. Those stops became part of the adventure, giving his family a glimpse of the pride he took in his life’s work and the curiosity that never left him. In 2024 with a diagnosis of MDS Paul faced his greatest challenge with remarkable courage. In 2025, his son Nate became his stem cell donor with the hope of curing Paul’s MDS. For a time, the transplant brought hope to their family, but the disease ultimately returned. Through every setback, Paul met his illness with quiet faith, grace, determination, and the unwavering support of those who loved him. Although Paul enjoyed engineering, his greatest accomplishment was the life he built with his family. To his son, Paul was more than a father, he was a mentor, a best friend, and a constant source of encouragement. From the time Nate was young, Paul rarely missed a game, match, or sporting event, always making time to cheer from the sidelines or spend hours playing sports together. Friday evenings often meant a trip to Video Plaza to pick out movies, while weekends included NC State basketball games at Reynolds Coliseum, Durham Bulls baseball, and family vacations to the beach and nearby lakes. Paul’s playful sense of humor was legendary. One family favorite happened during a beach vacation when he convinced Nate that a dog had left a surprise on his bathing suit inside the family tent, only to reveal it was one of his classic practical jokes. As Nate grew older, their relationship became one of true friendship. They hiked Peaks of Otter’s Sharp Top Mountain, shared countless conversations, and never lost their love for sports. What began with a little boy jumping on the couch beside his dad watching games became decades of phone calls and text messages discussing NC State or Virginia Tech athletics and every big sporting event in between. Nate knew one thing without question: if he ever needed his dad, Paul would drop everything to be there. One of Paul’s greatest joys came in becoming “Grandpop.” His granddaughter, Camryn, loved dancing with Grandpop in the living room and at her sporting events. Whether they were visiting the park, laughing together, or simply spending time side by side, she knew she was deeply loved. His grandson, Bradyn, treasured sleepovers at Grandpop’s house, Disney vacations, trips to the park, ice cream outings, and the excitement of having their beloved “Blue Dog” stuffed animal ride back and forth in the car on every visit. It was a simple tradition that always brought smiles and became one of the many special memories they shared. Grandpop had a wonderful gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. Paul and Jane loved to explore and made many day trips around the state and weeklong trips to the beach and mountains as well as frequent trips to California to visit family and vineyards. Every trip became another opportunity to make memories, and occasionally, another chance for Paul to take “just one quick detour” to admire a bridge. For more than 40 years, Paul and Jane were faithful members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh, where they built lifelong friendships and quietly lived out their faith through service to others. Paul’s kindness wasn’t loud, it was steady, dependable, and genuine. He had an incredible ability to make people feel valued simply by showing up. Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jane Moss Lambert; his son, Nathaniel Scott Lambert, and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Cain Lambert; his cherished grandchildren, Camryn Elizabeth and Bradyn Scott Lambert; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Raymond Lambert, and his brothers, David Kenneth Lambert and Robert Edward Lambert. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wake Forest, North Carolina. In keeping with Paul’s generous spirit, rather than sending flowers, his family asks that you honor his memory by performing an unexpected act of kindness for someone who could use it. Donations may also be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church or to the New Hope Collaborative at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Contact the Episcopal Diocese of NC). Paul spent his career designing bridges that connected communities and carried generations safely forward. Yet the greatest bridges he ever built were not made of steel or concrete. They were bridges of love, faith, laughter, encouragement, and unwavering devotion that connected his family across generations. Just as every bridge begins with a strong foundation, Paul’s life was built on his faith, strengthened by his love for Jane, and extended through his son, grandchildren, family, and friends. He understood that the best bridges endure because they are built with care, purpose, and integrity. He lived his life the same way. His legacy will continue to carry those who loved him for generations to come.