MARSHALL FAIRBANKS WHITLEY, III, age 53, of Timberlake, NC was called to his Heavenly home surrounded by his loving family Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Duke University Hospital.  Mr. Whitley was born May 24, 1972 in Chatham County, NC, son of the late Marshall Fairbanks Whitley, Jr. & the late Myra Jan Smith and was husband of Tammy Lynn Whitley who survives.  He was a self-employed fence installer and was of the Baptist faith.

Marshall enjoyed riding jet skis, going on cruises, beach trips, carpentry work, shooting pool, and spending time with family, friends, and his dogs.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sisters, Bonnie Allen of Coleridge, NC, Gail Smyre (Chuck) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Amy Carter (Brian) of Randleman, NC, sister-in-law, Susie Poole (John) of Coleridge, NC, nieces, Rhonda McCannless (Eck), Brook Huff (Ken), Jennifer Carter (Chris), Briana Carter, nephews, Daniel Parrish (Jennifer), Tommy Allen (Kimberly), Luke Parrish (Leslie), Austin Smyre, step-sister, Tina Price Murray, step-brother, Shane Price, a host of great-nieces & great-nephews, ten fur babies, and best friends, Anthony Wade and Mark Vaughan.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Whitley is preceded in death by a grandmother, Emma Smith, brother, Ernest L. Smyre, Jr., brother-in-law, Joe Allen, niece, Crystal Routh, and nephew, Billy Allen.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in the Strickland and Jones Funeral Services Chapel with the Rev. Patrick Sinclair officiating.  Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends and guests from 6:00 till 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2025 at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Pallbearers will be Brian Carter, Ken Huff, Peyton Huff, Daniel Parrish, Mark Vaughan, and Anthony Wade.

Arrangements are by Strickland and Jones Memorial Funeral Services, 1810 Durham Road, Roxboro, NC 27573. Online condolences may be made at stricklandandjonesfs.com.