Herman Clarence Medford

Herman Clarence Medford began life on October 20, 1927. Born at home located 1 ½ miles north of Rich, Arkansas he was the fifth child and fourth son born to Elner Blanton Medford and Eula Dell Fowler Medford. In future years eight more children were born to the proud couple for a total of ten sons and three daughters.

As Herman grew older, he loved to shoot clay marbles which were commonly known as Peet marbles. He always carried a pocketful of Peets. Herman’s cousin Marshall, who lived in the home and was raised by Mr. and Mrs. Medford nicknamed him Pete. The name stuck and he is known by H.C “Pete” Medford with one exception, Grandma who always called him Herman.

Pete was raised on the land and learned what hard work was at a very early age. Working on the farm, tending the animals was an everyday occurrence before leaving for the little Whiteoak School House. He attended the Whiteoak School and later Brinkley Schools where he excelled in football.

In 1945 toward the end of World War II Pete joined the United States Navy. After basic training in San Deigo, CA., He was assigned to a ship repair unit in Adak Island, Alaska located in the Aleutian Islands. After that tour he was assigned to the USS Princeton. On the Princeton he trained and worked as an electrician. Pete served two years regular Navy and four years Naval Reserve. He was discharged from the United States Navy in the spring of 1948. Pete returned to his family in Brinkley and started his career as an electrician apprentice with Mr. T.L. Hiley.  

All the while Pete’s personal life was moving along when he met a beautiful transplant from Illinois. Etta Louise Wheatley. Pete and Etta with love in their hearts were married May 7, 1949.

After six years of working with Mr. Hiley and the birth of four children, Audie, Debbie, Mark and Kim, Pete started his own company, Medford Electric. With a highly successful electric company, Pete decided to change corporate paths and was recruited to work as Superintendent of a persimmon wood golf head manufacturing plant located in Wheatley, Arkansas in 1959.

One of Pete’s most notable and everlasting accomplishments was the commission of a Military Sculpture of life size Navy and Army men in full combat uniform standing at attention. The figures are standing on a platform and the plaque in the center has the names of every member of the Claude Sims Post #68 American Legion. The monument was placed in Brinkley City Park and the dedication and unveiling was in 2005. March 2020, Pete was presented a lifetime achievement award by post #68 as a paid up for life member spanning 70 years.

Pete was Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year in 2001. He  served the City of Brinkley as the Water Commissioner starting  1972 and continued for 48 years. Pete was also a responsible blood donor and received his 13 gallon pin.

Pete and Etta joined the Brinkley County Club in 1979 and became avid golfers. Pete was invited to play in the Danny Thomas Classic Pro Am tournament in 1983 and was a  team player with Scott Hoch. Pete was an accomplished sportsman. He hunted most game but excelled in Quail hunting which he enjoyed with his brothers and sons.

 Pete was raised in the Christian faith and attended the White Church in Rich, Arkansas during his youth. For over 75 years he has been an active member of the Brinkley First Baptist Church and one of the churches oldest members.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elner B and Eula (Fowler) Medford, his wife, Etta (Wheatley) Medford, one grandchild Skylar, and siblings E.B. Medford Jr, Ed Medford, Leon Medford, Max Medford, L.V. Medford and Jeanette Clinton.

Survivors include by his sons, Mark Medford (Jane) of Brinkley, Kim Medford (Cathy) of Brinkley, daughters, Audie Lawless (David) of Holly Grove, Debbie Medford of Maumelle, siblings, Ulysses, J.T., Dale, Eugene, Roselle and Emma Jean, 13 grandchildren, Todd, Richie, Brady, Pilar, Andy, Luis, Jade, Crystal, Lacey, Marka, Jimmy, Lauren, Katy Jill, along with 34 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. 

Services were on Saturday July 10, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Brinkley with burial  at Oaklawn Cemetery in Brinkley. Arrangements by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley.