Gary L. Timberlake

With heavy hearts, his family announces the passing of Gary Timberlake, 74, of Buckhead, GA, on March 28, 2025.  He was born June 18, 1950, in Nashville, TN, the son of Charles and Doris Timberlake.

Gary attended high school at Southwest Dekalb, class of 1968.  During his school years, he was a proud member of the wrestling team, and a lifeguard at the legendary Misty Waters, where everyone spent their free time.  After graduating, he enlisted in the US Army following in the footsteps of his father and older brother.  When he completed Bootcamp, at Ft. Benning, he came home and met the love of his life, Vada.  After finishing his first tour, they were married on December 19, 1970, at Mount Carmel Christian Church.  He then returned to Vietnam for his second tour.  Gary was an avionics technician with the 263rd Maintenance Company 2nd platoon (AVEL) in Chu Lai.

Upon returning home, he and his business partners took over ownership of Ruby Red’s Warehouse in the old Underground Atlanta, which soon became one of the hotspots for entertainment in the city.  After Underground closed, he joined Alex Cooley at the Electric Ballroom promoting concerts.  In the late 70’s he went to work at Georgia Crown Distributing as a Sales Manager, where many of his lifelong friendships began. Gary was always an entrepreneur at heart; thus, Timberlake Outdoors was born.  He and his faithful employees, the Martinez brothers, built playgrounds, pavilions, and waterslides. Gary always said he spent the first part of his career entertaining adults and the second half bringing joy to children across the Southeast.

Gary was a past Commander of VFW Post #2557, member of American Legion Post #37, member of Lake Oconee Elks Lodge #2849, the Chief of Security at the Hillsborough Hunting Club, and the life of every party.  An avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, he and Vada attended many games and events.  Gary was a proud American and always involved in Making America Great Again!

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Doris Timberlake and Charles Timberlake, and his brother, Major Ron Timberlake, USA (retired).  He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Vada Walters Timberlake, daughter Ashley Timberlake, grandson Logan Timberlake, brother and sister-in-law David and Whin Timberlake; his loving Godmother Norma Harvison, and many nieces and nephews. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held May 3, 2025, at 11am, at A.E. Carter Funeral Home, located at 1670 Atlanta Highway, Madison, GA, 30650, with a reception immediately following at Empire Mills (1290 Pennington Road Madison, GA).  No neck ties needed! The family will receive visitors Friday, May 2, 2025, from 5-7pm at A.E. Carter.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or Wreaths Across America (wreathsacrossamerica.org).

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