Reverend Dr. Marion Alvin Timberlake, Jr. , 73, entered eternal rest after a life marked by faith, service, scholarship, and devotion to family. Born July 18, 1952, in Longview, Texas, he was the eldest child of the late Marion Alvin Timberlake Sr. and Jacqueline Christian Timberlake. He was raised alongside his siblings Carolyn Ozeta, Rosco Eric, Douglas Emile, and Patrick Logan.

His family later moved to Dallas, Texas, where they united with Hamilton Park First Baptist Church. At just nine years old, he professed his faith in Jesus Christ, a commitment that would shape every chapter of his life.

A gifted student, he attended Hamilton Park H.S. and then integrated into Lake Highlands High School, graduating in the top 3% of a class of 546 students on May 26, 1970. His academic excellence earned him appointments to both West Point and the United States Air Force Academy. He chose the Air Force Academy, graduating on June 5, 1974, with a Bachelor of Science degree and began a distinguished military career as a fighter pilot. He trained on and flew several aircraft, most notably the then-newly released F-15 Eagle.  After many enjoyable years of flying, he earned a Master of Science in Systems Management (1985) from the University of Southern California, which deepened his expertise in aviation safety. He later became a U.S. Air Force Safety Officer. With his wealth of background knowledge in both aviation and aviation safety, he was selected to contribute to the design of the new F-15-E Fighter Jet.

While training in Alamogordo, New Mexico, he met and married Janet Hopkins, who became the love of his life. Their 47-year union was blessed with four children: Jeanene Louise, Jessica Liane, Marion Alvin III, and Janel Lenore.

After more than twenty years of military service, including four years in International Affairs at the Pentagon, he retired and transitioned into a successful career as an insurance agent. His commitment to integrity and care guided his work, just as it guided his ministry.
His service to the church began at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, where he was appointed to the Trustee Board. He was ordained a Deacon on December 3, 1995, and later a licensed minister on June 26, 2005. He continued his ministry at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia, serving faithfully as a member of the Men's Chorus, Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, and an ordained minister.

A lifelong learner and passionate teacher, he earned a Bachelor of Theology (2010), Master of Divinity (2013), and Doctor of Divinity (2016) from the Frederick L. Ray Biblical Institute. He later joined the Institute's faculty, guiding students in their pursuit of biblical education with clarity, humility, and conviction. His ministry extended beyond the classroom to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he preached and taught with compassion, offering hope to the incarcerated.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carolyn Ozeta, and his brother Patrick Logan.

He leaves to treasure his memory his devoted wife, Janet L. Timberlake; his children Jeanene Louise Timberlake Peters, husband Ian, and beloved grandson Logan of Monroe, North Carolina; Jessica Liane Timberlake of Chantilly, Virginia; Marion Alvin Timberlake III of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Janel Lenore Timberlake of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by his brothers Rosco Eric Timberlake and Douglas Emil Timberlake of Dallas, Texas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved students, and friends.

His life was a testament to faith, discipline, service, and love. His legacy endures in the countless lives he touched, the students he taught, and the family he cherished.

A viewing and visitation will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. An additional viewing will be held at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 13111 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 9:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 AM. The interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172, at 1:30 PM.