Samuel Timberlake Sr.

Samuel Irwin Timberlake, Sr. of Dadeville, Alabama passed away on February 28, 2026 at the age of 84. Born in Decatur, Alabama on May 3, 1941, Sam grew up with a curiosity and warmth that would shape a rich and varied life. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1959 and entered Auburn University intending to study electrical engineering. While there, he met Mary Hillman Forbus on a blind date. The two married in 1962 and shared 64 devoted years together until her passing.

A chance vocal performance elective during his sophomore year led Sam to change his major to music. He earned a Bachelor of Music from Auburn in 1965 and a Master of Music from Washington University in 1968. That same year he received a Fulbright-Hays Grant for study in Germany. His professional singing career included performances with the Metropolitan Opera from 1966 to 1970, tours with the Bel Canto Trio, and appearances with the New York City Opera. He recorded with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and contributed to programs on NPR. Alongside performing, Sam taught at Auburn University, Samford University, Huntington College, and Delta State University, touching the lives of many students through his knowledge and passion.

In 1979, Sam moved his family to a farm in Dadeville, where he later retired. There he found simple joys in tending to his tractors, spending time with his dogs, and enjoying his ham radios. He is survived by his three children, Sam Timberlake, Jr., Anne-Marie (Stokes) Jones, and John Hillman (Fen Gao) Timberlake; nine grandchildren, Irwin Lee Timberlake, Nancy Hillman (Whit) Whittlesey, Joseph Walker (Lacey) Timberlake, Maria Claire Timberlake, Madison Ellis Hanscom, Merideth Erin Hanscom, Holden Stokes Jones, Hope Stanford Jones, and Jackson Gao Timberlake; and four great-grandchildren, Clella Ann Whittlesey, Hillman Esther Whittlesey, Betsy Jane Timberlake, and Joseph Walker Timberlake, Jr. Sam was preceded in death by his wife Mary and his brother Cecil Howard Timberlake, Sr. Per his wishes, no public funeral or burial service will be held; instead, his family will gather privately in the spring to celebrate his life.