"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Marcus Anton Lynch Jr. went from labor to reward on October 30, 2022. He was a devoted husband, father, son, grandson, and friend. He was an only child, but he loved his countless cousins as if they were his siblings. He was preceded in death by his devoted father, "Big Marcus," who tragically passed away when Marcus was a young child.

"A Time to Be Born" Ecclesiastes 3:2

Marcus was born on July 11, 1979, to Carolyn and Marcus Anton Lynch Sr., in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a happy and bubbly baby and was adored by his large and extended family.

"A Time to Be Trained" Proverbs 22:6

Marcus attended the public schools of Baltimore County, where he excelled in math, science, football, and track and field. He later earned a full track-and-field scholarship to Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. Marcus was a Maryland state champion track-and-field star in the late 90s at Western School of Technology and Environmental Science (WSTES), and he still holds Southern Conference records in track and field from his time as an athlete at Virginia Military Institute during the early 2000s. It was there that he met the love of his life, Amanda, with whom he shared a love that cut so deeply they often said they felt like one soul in two bodies.

"A Time to Be Saved" John 30:3

Marcus was nurtured in a Christian home. He faithfully attended and was baptized at Grace A.M.E. Church. Although he stumbled many times in life, his faith and love of the Lord never waivered. He trusted GOD, fully and completely.

"A Time to Love" Ecclesiastes 3:9

Marcus and Amanda met in college at a party while they were students at Virginia Military Institute and Mary Baldwin College. They loved to dance and explore the Shenandoah Valley. For several years after college, they drifted apart, but ten years ago they found their way back to each other. July 21, 2015, marked the day when Marcus and Amanda entered into holy matrimony. From this loving union, two daughters, Violet-Hazel and Primrose, were born. He loved his girls deeply and took great pride in each of them. He felt they saved his life and gave him meaning. He could often be found telling corny jokes to his bonus daughter, Ava, or spending countless hours talking to his bonus son, Justin, about life and responsibility. He spent many nights patting Violet-Hazel or Primrose on the back, as the only thing that seemed to soothe them was the sound of their father's heartbeat. He was a loving father and a daredevil who never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Marcus loved to laugh, watch science fiction movies and Ravens games, and simply spending time with his family.

"A Time to Labor" Genesis 3:19

Marcus was a tree climber and truck driver by trade and felt freest hundreds of feet in the air spiked into a tree or driving in wide open spaces. There, Marcus said, he felt closest to GOD. He worked hard and only wanted to keep the promise he made to his grandfather, that he would take care of his girls. To Marcus, to provide was to love.

"A Time to Be with the Lord" Numbers 23:10

We loved Marcus deeply, with all of our hearts, and even though we understand he didn't belong to us, the sting of his sudden loss is profound. Marcus is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Amanda; his bonus children, Justin and Ava, whom he treated and loved like his own children; and his beautiful daughters, Hazy and Rosebud, who gave him joy beyond measure. He is also survived by his devoted parents, Carolyn and Roy Hammond; his grandmother, Delores Lynch, who loved him like a son; his mother-in-law, Sandra Peterson; fathers-in-law Carl B. Davis Sr. and Bernard Peterson; godmother, Ericka Matthews; and godfather, Malcolm Lynch. He leaves many friends, cousins, aunts and uncles, and in-laws to mourn his death. Marcus was radiant, he was brilliant, and he had the world in front of him. We take comfort in knowing his father; his granny, Gladys Chase; and his grandfathers, Mark Lynch Sr. and John Hall Sr., were there to welcome him into heaven.

Marcus is free and at peace. His chains are broken. The heartache we felt watching him struggle has been replaced by a deep sense of mourning, knowing we will never know his touch or hear his laughter again. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.