Rev. Randel J. Lambert, 95, Dies in South Carolina After Serving as Ordained Bishop in Church of God (Cleveland)

Rev. Randel J. Lambert, 95, passed away peacefully at McLeod Hospice House on June 5, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Born on January 29, 1928, in Georgetown County, South Carolina, he was the son of Elizabeth Rowe and William Randall Lambert. He was one of seven children, growing up in the same county and attending local schools.

A World War II veteran, R. J. served in the United States Army. After his military service, he worked as a parts manager at Peoples’ Motor Sales in Andrews and as a machine mechanic at International Paper Company in Georgetown, where he met his future wife, Lila Mae Flowers, from Andrews, South Carolina.

R. J. was married to Lila Mae for 60 years. They had five children, including three daughters and two sons. Early in their marriage, both R. J. and Lila Mae came to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. Due to their growing family and lack of a home office, R. J. often sought solitude in the woods for prayer and spiritual reflection. Eventually, he felt a calling to ministry.

Guided by mentors in the faith, R. J. pursued theological education and became a credentialed minister and ordained bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee), the highest leadership level within that denomination. He and Lila Mae dedicated their lives to serving the Kingdom of God, ministering to congregations in several South Carolina communities, including Greeleyville, Manning, Leo, Darlington, Mullins, and Goose Creek.

R. J. was a mentor to young men seeking a deeper relationship with God and played a key role in establishing new churches in areas with spiritual need. One of these churches, Lighthouse Church in Darlington, South Carolina, is now led by his son, Rev. Randy Lambert, and his daughter, Judith Lambert, who serves as a teacher and minister. His family continues to carry forward his legacy of faith and service.

After retiring from full-time pastoral work, R. J. and Lila Mae returned to Darlington, staying close to their community and the churches they had helped build. Their lives were marked by devotion, family, and a commitment to spiritual growth and service.

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