Albert Russell "Rusty" Medford
May 5, 1959 ~ June 18, 2013
Services:
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 3:00PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. Interment will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with full Naval Honors.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.
Albert Russell “Rusty” Medford, III, 54 of Lexington Park, MD passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. Born on May 5, 1959 in Atlantic City, NJ, he was the son of Albert Russell Medford, Jr., and the late Margaret C. Medford. Rusty was the loving husband of Tracy Allene Medford, his high school sweetheart, whom he married on July 22, 1980 in Decatur, GA. Rusty is survived by his three children; son Christopher Medford (Heidi) and their two children Hayden and Chase of Suffolk, VA., daughter Ashley Medford of Suffolk, VA, son Brandon Medford of Lexington Park, MD as well as Rusty's two brothers John Medford (Ing-Marie) of Acworth, GA and their children Jennifer (Tyler) and Joshua (Kara) and his brother Michael Medford of Acworth, GA., father Albert R. Medford of Acworth, GA., and mother-in-law Peggy Rodgers from Tallapoosa, GA. along with a loving extended family including several nieces and nephews.
Commander Albert R. "Rusty" Medford, III, a native of Decatur, Georgia, graduated from Avondale High School in June 1978. He enlisted in the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) Airman Recruit (AMSAR) in May 1980. Rusty loved the Navy and had a 30 year career filled with challenging jobs and wonderful people. Rusty reported to the USS Inchon, (LPH-12) stationed in Norfolk, VA. In June 1983, he served as the Airframes, Welding and NDI Work Center Supervisor in NAS Bermuda. In June 1986, Rusty transferred to VFA-131 "Wildcats" in Cecil Field, Florida and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in September 1990. Rusty transferred to VFA-106 "Gladiators" in January 1991 where he was commissioned as an Active Duty Limited Duty Officer (LDO) in February 1992. In May 1992, now Ensign Medford transferred to the VFA-151 "Vigilantes" in Lemoore, California where he served as the Maintenance Material Control Officer. In September 1995, Rusty transferred to Naval Strike Test Squadron (VX-23) in Patuxent River, Maryland as the Assistant Aviation Maintenance Officer. In September 1998, CDR Medford was re-designated as an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer (AMDO) and reported to the VAW-117 "Wall Bangers" at NAS Miramar, CA. In September 2000, Rusty reported to Naval Air Systems Command, where he served as PMA-265 F/A-18 Program Office Air Vehicle Deputy Assistant Program Manager for Logistics (DAPML) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. In March 2004, he transferred to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in Newport News, VA. In 2006, Rusty returned to NAVAIR as the Cryogenic, Hydraulic Support Equipment Deputy Program Manager for PMA-260. In July 2008, CDR Medford reported to the Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic, Patuxent River to serve as the Maintenance Officer in July 2008. During his military career, CDR Medford served during several conflicts including Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf. He retired from the U.S. Navy after serving 30 years of honorable service in May 2010. CDR Medford’s personal decoration includes PAMDO Gold Wings, a Meritorious Service Medal, 5 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, 7 Navy Achievement Medals, 2 Good Conducts and various unit and service awards. Upon retirement from the Navy, Rusty worked as a local contractor until 2011 when he became the P-8 Configuration Manager for PMA-290.
Rusty was a dedicated father and husband. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, Hayden and Chase. Rusty loved to scuba dive and was an avid racket ball player. Rusty loved to travel with his wife of almost 33 years to see new sites and meet people. If he wasn’t traveling, it was not unusual to see his home filled with people on any given weekend for an impromptu BBQ and gathering. The door was always open at Rusty’s house. He was always a strong advocate for the community, regularly volunteering with Christmas in April and the Calvert Marine Museum. Rusty was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD,where a Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM with Chaplain Jeffrey Augustin officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Contributions may be made to Christmas in April P.O. Box 705 Hollywood, MD 20636.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
“We are so sorry for your loss of Rusty. My heart goes out to you and your family. Cherish the memories.”
“Tracy and family, there are no words that can express how sorry I am for your loss. Please know you have a wealth of friends, family, and co-workers that are here to help you make it through this difficult time and I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.”
“Rusty truly was a compassionate and loving father, grandfather and friend. He is already missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Medford family.”
“Tracy – my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. You have an angel watching over you and guiding you. Place your trust in The Lord, for he has a plan.”
“Tracy and Family, it’s so hard to understand sometimes “why things happen”-all we can do is trust that God knows what is best and he knew it was time to call Rusty home. Our hearts are hurting for all his family and friends. He will remain forever in our hearts and memories – always with a bright smile! We are praying for the family to find comfort and peace at this very difficult time! Rusty was a great boss, friend and mentor who will never be forgotten. With Sympathy, DJ and Kay “
“We were saddened to hear of Rusty’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family. Although I haven’t seen Rusty in many years I’ll always remember his zest for life. He always lit up a room whenever he entered. “
“You have no idea how much we are going to miss you. You always will be in our hearts. “
“Tracy and family, I cannot tell you how sorry I am and how saddened I am to hear of your loss. Rusty was truly an amazing man, absolutely not one to be forgotten. He will be missed by many. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.”
“Tracy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. “
“Rusty was an incredible husband, father and grandfather. You and Rusty had a relationship that most people wish for in a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family…there are no words that can express how sorry we are for your loss.”
“Oh my little one, my heart aches for you and your family. I was fortunate to observe how much you and Rusty supported each other even if the Navy made it from afar. You were one of the special couples who proved all the nay sayers wrong and showed them that even two kids who were in love and believed in each other could make a marriage work. Lean on your family and friends near and far. God bless you and your family. My deepest sympathies.”
“Tracey and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
“Tracy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time.”
“We are so sorry for your loss of Rusty. Our hearts go out to you and your family during this time of healing. Always remember the good times! “
“Tracy – So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”
“I enjoyed the short time spent with Rusty and your family at Chris and Heidi’s wedding. His passing will be a great loss for everyone. I truely regret not having the oppurtunity to spend more time with you folks but I will never forget those times we enjoyed. Gods’ Speed. “
“Tracy – my deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Take comfort in all the wonderful memories you and Rusty have made over the years. “
“Tracy, I will always be here for you. Love you with all my heart. My uncle was the best guy i ever knew. He is the only father i known. Will alway love him and i know that he will be with us just like the other peolpe we have lost. I love you. Ur niece Janise”
“Rusty was a class act and it was my honor to work with him. He is in my family’s prayers. God Bless.”
“Tracy, So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Rusty was a mentor and a true patriot who will be missed by many. I will always be thankful to know such a good friend and fellow Mustang. May God Bless the Medford family. “
“My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rusty was an amazing man who has left an impression on all he met, he will certainly be missed, but never forgotten. “
“Thoughts and prayers for Rusty’s soul, his family and loved ones. “
“I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I really enjoyed getting to know Rusty over the past 2 years. He was a great guy and easy to work with. He was innovative and practical and had a great influence on the P-8 program. We will all miss him greatly. [from Boeing P-8 CM Manager]”
“Rusty was a true friend. He was one of the most genuine people I have known. He was well loved at work and will be missed by all. Rusty always would stop by and say good morning and put a smile on everyone’s face. The world has lost a good man. I’m so sorry for your loss and if you need anything, please let me know. Rusty always treated me like I was his daughter and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.”
“Medford family – I did not know Rusty personally, but after reading the wonderful words about his life, I am certain he is leaving a void on this earth. As a fellow Chief, I mourn his passing and wish him eternal “fair winds and following seas.” My deepest condolences to his dear family & friends.”
“To all members of the Medford Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.Rusty was a great volunteer to our local Christmas In April program, always ready to do what was needed to help those in dire need for home repairs. We all know he’s looking down on us from now on giving us inner strength. “
“Tracy and Family ~ I’m just so sorry to hear of Rusty’s passing. I remember when you all came to live at Pax River… to everyone you met, it was obvious you both were truly a couple in love… God’s Blessing to you all at this difficult time. “
“Tracy – Pat and I are so very sorry for your loss. I know that you had many wonderful memeories and years with Rusty and I pray that they will give you comfort. We are praying for you and the kids. “
“Tracy, We are so deeply saddened by Rusty’s passing – we pray for healing and comfort for you and your family at this most difficult time. May God Bless.”
“Tracy – We cannot tell you in words just how saddened we are. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your entire family. “
“My deepest sympathy to Tracy and the Medford family. I worked closely with Rusty during his tours at Strike and FRC. I learned more from Rusty Medford and Rick Lee about how things get done in the Navy than I have from anyone else in my career. Rusty was truly one of a kind – someone you’ll never forget if you were fortunate enough to know him. He will be sorely missed by many. Rusty was a good man.”
“Tracy & Family – We know that no words can help ease the pain and loss that you all are feeling right now, but know that Rusty has left us all memories that no one can take away, memories that will always bring forth a smile and conquer the painful moments. With our deepest sympathies “
“Chris and Heidi, We are so sorry for your loss. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him. Both of you and Chris’s family are in our thoughts and prayers. Greg and Dolly”
“My heart goes out to you and your family. I served with Rusty as a wildcat and remember the good man that he is.”
“Our hearts are very heavy as a result of your loss. Rusty was a great Naval officer and leader whose comaraderie will be missed the most. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.”
“Our condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Our though and prayers for comfort are with you.”
“We are so sorry for your loss. Rusty will be missed by all that knew him. “
“Tracy: thinking about you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. “
“Tracy, I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. “
“Tracy, Christina and I are truly sorry to hear of Rusty’s passing and are keeping you and your family in our prayers. Rusty was a friend and shipmate and I will always be thankful of the mentorship he gave to this officer during my first tour in VFA-151 where we served.”
“Tracy and family, It was a honor and pleasure to get to know and work with Rusty these past couple of years on the P-8 program. He will be truley missed. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you deal with your loss. “
“We are truly saddened by your loss and we pray your memories bring you comfort. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. “
“Tracy,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time.” “
“I did not know CDR.Medford, but seeing is career of service to our country. Thank you for your Service. Fair Winds and Following seas. God has another shipmate to help watch over us all.”
“Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family in this difficult time. “
“Fair winds and following seas old friend.”
“Tracy – Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss.”
“I am so sorry. I kept reading your posts and praying. What else can I say. I know you and your family are heartbroken”
“Enjoyed the years that I worked with Rusty, he was understanding and always ready to provide help or answer questions. He will be missed by everyone who had the luck to cross path with him”
“A shipmate and friend. Greatly assisted in my getting settled in BDA AIMD. Always gave of his time to others. Walk in Peace my brother in your Heavenly Home. “
“I served with Rusty as a member of the wildcats, a truly remarkable man, I am so sorry to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences.”
“Tracy and family — I’m so sorry for your loss. Rusty was a great guy! I’m so glad that I had the opportunity work with him and enjoy the brief time we were neighbors.”
“I served with Medford in VFA-131 Wildcats. He was my Boss for several years and I held him in high regards. He was a great teacher and leader. You will be missed.”
“I served with Chris on CVN-71. Chris, our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Take care of yourself and stay in touch. We are merely a phone call away.”