Bill Medley

Funeral services with military honors for Mr. William R. (Bill) Medley, age 95, of Algood, will be at 11 a.m. Monday November 5 at Algood United Methodist Church. Pastor Albert Willis will officiate. The family will receive friends Sunday from 4 - 7 p.m at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home and again Monday from 10 a.m until service time at the church. Bill passed away Thursday evening November 1, 2018 at his home. He was born September 26, 1923 in Buffalo Valley, TN to the late E.E. (Dock) Medley and Buena Vista Denny Medley. Bill served in War World II as a radio operator on a B-29 aircraft. He was stationed on Tinian Island in the South Pacific. Bill was a retired soil conservationist who earned his degree from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (TTU) on the GI Bill. He served from Dyersburg to Gainesboro, TN helping farmers and land owners build ponds, prevent soil erosion, and cut and plant trees. He was a naturalist before his time. His knowledge of plants, trees, and soils was tremendous. He was an avid gardener and planted an abundance of his favorite plants. Needless to say, he had plenty of fresh vegetables to share with everyone! It wasn't uncommon for him and his wife, Gertha, to "Can" 300 quarts of green beans a season! He worked with 4-H and other youth groups teaching them about the land. Bill and son, Gene, also raised and showed Shorthorn Cattle and traveled the state to compete. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed many trips within the United States to attend as many shows, plays, and music events as possible. They traveled several times a year to Pigeon Forge to enjoy the mountains and all the family and friends that gathered with them. He was a member of the Algood Methodist Church, where he served on many committees and loved being a member. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Gertha Breeding Roberson Medley; daughter-in-law, Maura Little Medley of Livingston; two grandchildren, William Robert (Rob) Medley and wife Samantha of Livingston, and Allison Medley Ogle and husband Vince of Flintville, TN; a sister, Vista Carroll of Old Hickory, TN; a brother-in-law, Mike Broderick of Alexandria, VA; and three precious great-granddaughters, Mila and Piper Ogle and Alyssa Medley; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Bonnie Herndon Medley of Madison, TN; his only child, Eugene (Gene) Medley of Livingston, TN; his sister, Esther Medley Broderick of Alexandria, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Algood United Methodist Church, 135 W Main St, Cookeville, TN 38506 or the charity of your choice.