Harold Dean Medford

Harold Dean Medford, age 73, of Marion, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 30, 2016 at his residence, with his family by his side. A native of McDowell County, he was born on April 17, 1943 to the late J.C. and Bessie Hollifield Medford.

A veteran of the United States Army, he served his country dutifully as a medic. The last thirteen months of his tour he served in Korea. Harold was a retired field supervisor at Duke Energy, and also worked with the McDowell County Schools where he served as administrative assistant and was affectionally known for “Mr. Medford’s gravy”. He was a giving and caring person especially to children, but also to elderly widow women in his community whom he and his wife took on numerous outings. Mr. Medford also served on the McDowell County Soil and Water Conservation board.

Harold was very much part of the East Marion community and was a member of the East Marion Methodist Church. Harold loved playing baseball at Marion High, and during his senior year was co-captain and later played for the Brooks Auto softball team. Harold was instrumental in building the ball field in East Marion and starting the official Little League in McDowell County, where he served as the first president. His family was the love of his life especially his grandchildren.

Harold is preceded in death by a brother, Bill Medford; three sisters, Joyce M. Blake, Shirley M. Sowers and Carolyn Peppers; also, two nephews and one niece.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving wife of forty-eight years, Kay Peppers Medford; one daughter, Anna Crisp and husband Kevin; two grandsons, Grayson and Nick Crisp; and one granddaughter, Griffin Crisp; one brother, Gene Medford and wife Barbara; one sister- in- law, Ruth Medford; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Harold’s life will be held Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the East Marion United Methodist Church with Reverend Phil Tate, Mr. Don Hollifield and Mr. Jack Wood officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. two hours prior to the service at the church.

A private family entombment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Harold’s memory are asked to consider, East Marion United Methodist Church, 210 Baldwin Avenue, Marion, North Carolina 28752 and/or to CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care-McDowell, 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, North Carolina 28803 or by visiting www.carepartnersfoundation.org.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hospice of McDowell for the phenomenal care they provided not only to Mr. Medford, but the family during this time.