Friend "Franky" Lam

Friend “Franky” Hong Lam, 73, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Winter Haven Hospital. He was born on April 14, 1953, in Vietnam. Friend moved to Tampa in 1979 from Saigon and devoted his life to hard work and providing for his family, building a successful career as a business owner. For 15 years, he owned and operated several local businesses, including Ho Ho Restaurant, Stop & Shop, and First Choice BP Gas Station in Lakeland, where he worked until his retirement in 2015. 

Friend found great joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved gardening, spending time in nature, taking walks, exercising, and enjoying family vacations. His greatest happiness came from being with his grandchildren, whom he loved and adored. An avid blood donor, Friend was always willing to help others and give back to his community. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man whose kindness touched everyone he met. Friend was known for his friendly spirit, strong work ethic, patience, selflessness, sense of humor, and gentle, peaceful nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Friend leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 44 years, Susan Li Lam; son, Charles Lam of Winter Haven, Florida; daughter, Betty Parmerter and her husband, Jonathan, of Winter Haven, Florida; three siblings; three beloved grandchildren, Bailey, Mason, and Leighton Parmerter; and several nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 3:00 pm followed by a funeral service at 4:00 pm all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City.