William Timberlake

1936 - 2026

William Berkley Timberlake, 89, of Henrico, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at the Cedarfield Retirement Community.

Born on May 10, 1936, in Hanover, Virginia, Bill was the son of Everette Timberlake and Helen Martin. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard at the age of 19, beginning a lifelong commitment to service. He continued his education throughout his life and career, earning multiple associate degrees and professional certificates through continuing education.

Bill devoted decades of service to the Virginia Army National Guard, ultimately retiring as a full Colonel. In his civilian career with the federal government, he served for many years as Director of Facilities Engineering and Management for the Virginia Army National Guard and later retired as Assistant Chief of Staff, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues statewide and across the nation.

Bill's military career was marked by steadfast leadership, professionalism, and a deep sense of duty to the United States Army, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the men and women he served alongside. His decades of service reflected his commitment to integrity, service, and quiet leadership-values that guided his life both in uniform and beyond.

During and after his professional career, Bill was widely recognized as a trusted and respected senior arbitrator with the Virginia Better Business Bureau, valued for his fairness, judgment, and integrity.

Although never one to seek the spotlight, Bill will be remembered most for his unfailing kindness and graciousness toward everyone he met. His random acts of kindness-dropping off morning newspapers during his walks, shoveling snow for residents, and hand-delivering holiday and birthday cards to Cedarfield staff-were small gestures that left lasting impressions. His thoughtfulness and gratitude touched countless lives.

Throughout his life, Bill enjoyed staying active and connected with others through tennis, running (he ran many marathons across the state), biking (on his birthday he biked the number of years of his age up until age 83) pickleball, and bridge, sharing these pursuits with friends and family alike. Bill was also an active member of the Cedarfield Men's woodworking club ("the Woodies") and an avid Woodsmith throughout his life.

Bill was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Susan Myer Timberlake; his daughter, Suzanne Berkley Timberlake; and his parents, Everette Timberlake and Helen Martin.

He is survived by his family who were the joy and light of his life including his children, David Timberlake (Darla) and Ellen Timberlake (Angelica Glass); his grandchildren, Austin Timberlake, Philip Timberlake, Will Timberlake, Miles Timberlake-Glass, Kita Glass, Amanda Seibert, and Jordan Leininger; and his siblings, Lynn Seay, Robert Timberlake and Martha Timberlake, along with Great grandchildren, extended family and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cedarfield Retirement Community, 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, Richmond, Virginia 23233.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Bill will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew and loved him.