Gary R. "Duke" Lambert of Ridgeley, WV passed away on January 2, 2026 after a lengthy battle with COPD. Duke was born to Donald H. and the late Regina T. Lambert on August 21, 1954 in Cumberland, MD.

"Duke" will forever be remembered as a devoted husband and father, his humor and generosity will be missed by his family and friends; no one could lighten the mood like Duke. He valued hard work and honesty. Duke loved classic cars and trucks, and Nascar Cup races. His high school career began at Fort Hill High School and upon moving to North Carolina he graduated from Pine Forest Senior High School in Fayetteville, where he met the love of his life, Debbie. He worked at Kelly Springfield tire plant in Fayetteville, NC and then later at the Kelly Springfield tire plant in Cumberland, MD. Duke later operated Lambert's Body Shop on Rte. 28 in Ridgeley, WV until his retirement.

Duke was preceded in death by his mother, Regina Theresa (Baker) Lambert; sisters, Bonnie Jean Fulk and Barbara Ann Lindner; newborn brother, John E. Gulick, William Eugene Gulick Sr., and Robert Richard Gulick.

Duke is survived by his wife, Deborah; daughter, Teresa Jean Welker and her husband, Chad; father, Donald H. Lambert; siblings, Sandra Lambert-Pierce and her husband, Eddie, Linda L. Fleming, Donnie R. Lambert and his wife, Tammy; brother-in-law, Eddie Lindner; sister-in-law, Connie Gulick; family friend, Katie Kruckenburg; and many nieces and nephews.

In honor of Duke's wishes, no services will be held. Donations may be made in Duke's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. stjude.org