Harry Donald Medley

Don Medley was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on September 20, 1943, to Harry and Ruby Medley. He passed away on December 1, 2025, having lived a full and meaningful life marked by accomplishments, challenges, and countless blessings. His greatest blessings were his wife, Vickie—his devoted partner of 59 years—and their two children, Brenta and Scott.

One of Don’s earliest joys was basketball. He excelled at Frayser High School, where his talent earned him a full basketball scholarship to Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. His teammates at Harding became lifelong friends he cherished throughout his life.

Don went on to pour his heart into a career spanning 36+ years of mentoring, coaching, teaching, and school administration. He served at Frayser High School, Trezevant, Craigmont, Sherwood Junior High, Knight Road Elementary, and concluded his career with six memorable years at Horn Lake High School in Mississippi. With a master’s degree from the University of Memphis, he also found great fulfillment teaching adults part-time for 18 years at State Technical Institute.

Some of Don’s happiest days were spent at the family cabin on the Tennessee River in Saltillo, Tennessee, where he taught countless kids, cousins, and friends to waterski. He treasured working on the Mustang, trucks, and many motorcycles alongside his son, sharing hours of laughter, patience, and grease-stained memories.

He looked forward each year to reunions with his Frayser High and Harding University basketball friends, where he relived old stories and celebrated the bond of teammates who became brothers. His golfing partners—many of whom were former colleagues and former students—became faithful, lifelong friends as well.

Don also treasured the lifelong friendship of Tom, Patsy, and Shannon Dillingham. Don and Tom first met in their early twenties on their very first teaching and coaching jobs, beginning a friendship that would grow into decades of shared vacations, stories, and family memories.

He was a devoted member of Bartlett Woods Church of Christ for more than 58 years and took great joy in living close to his siblings, Jerry, Dan, and Marilyn Crawford, in Fayette County.

Don will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His influence, encouragement, and love live on in the many lives he touched.

Thank you for honoring his memory with your presence today.