THOMASVILLE — Mr. Charles Franklin Lambeth, Jr., better known as Chunny, prominent Thomasville attorney for many years passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. He was born in Thomasville to Charles Franklin Lambeth and Mary Johnson Lambeth. His three sisters, Catharine Carlton, Polly Blackwell, and Priscilla Keel preceded him in death. Chunny graduated from Thomasville High School where he was selected to the all-state football team. He also played on the tennis team which he organized. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill he joined the Navy, serving in the Philippines during World War II. He then returned to UNC-CH for three years to attend law school. He began practicing law in Thomasville and later was senior partner of the law firm Lambeth, McMillan, and Weldon. Chunny married Emily Finch Lambeth of Thomasville, who survives of the home.
The couple have two children, Charles Franklin Lambeth III of Redondo Beach, CA and George Finch Lambeth of Thomasville; a daughter-in-law, Brandy Smith Lambeth of Thomasville; and a grandson, George Finch Lambeth, Jr. Chunny was also a proud uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, and godparent. In addition to his family life and law practice, he had great interest in athletics. His early interests were football, basketball, and boxing, but his true passion was always tennis, having won the men's singles of the Thomasville city tennis tournament numerous times. He was ranked statewide for many years and won several state and regional tennis titles. He was active in many city, state, and national organizations and charities throughout his life. Among these were Davidson County War Against Poverty, Davidson County Library Board, World Peace Through Law, World Freedom Association, and NC Citizens Against the Death Penalty. He was one of the founders of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. He was also an active supporter of Thomasville High School, particularly of the Bulldog Boosters and tennis team, of which his son George was a member, and the speech and debate team of which his son Charles was a member.
Along with his wife, he shared a great interest in Memorial United Methodist Church, both being lifelong members. He was a youth Sunday school teacher and a member of the administrative board. Even though his accomplishments where rich and varied, Chunny will be best remembered as a compassionate soul and champion of human rights.
The family will receive friends Thursday, August 2, 2012 at J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. A service celebrating Chunny's life will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church by Dr. Ivan H. M. Peden and the Rev. Peggy A. Finch. Memorials may be directed to Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 428, Thomasville, NC 27361, Davidson County Public Library, 14 Randolph Street, Thomasville, NC 27360, or to a
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Online condolences may be made to the Lambeth family at www.jcgreenandsons.com
