Edward Cebert Medley, Jr.

Sugar Grove, Virginia

Edward Cebert Medley, Jr., age 68, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his appointed hour, after faithfully and obediently carrying out his earthly labor.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ed Medley, Sr.; mother, Irene Medley; sister, Brenda Arrington; brother, Billy Medley; father-in-law, Bill Colley; and mother-in-law, Joyce Colley.

Inspired by his life, but grieving his death, remain his wife of 50 years, Sherian Medley; his daughters, Jill Wolfe (Seth Peery) and Sarah Smith (Kevin Smith); siblings, Sandra Tate, Debra Hash, Bob Tate (Lynn Tate); sister-in-law, Judy Colley; grandchildren, Fitzjackson Wolfe, Landon and Emory Smith, and Ada, Evie, and Stephen Peery; as well as his family by choice, Jay and Cathy McDonald, Chuck and Margaret Tuggle, Everett and Nan Neese, and Morgan and Hadley Neese.

Bill Gravely and Wythe Hospice supported Eddie, family and friends with compassion and care as his time drew to a close.

Soft-spoken and patient, he was the peacemaker of his family, a source of stability and calm in times of trouble, and a loving husband, father, and friend in times of happiness and joy. He brought out the best in everyone around him, and was and remains an inspiration to all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His manner was soft yet firm, his words carefully chosen and sincere. When faced with trials, even unto his illness and death, he never complained, remaining obedient to the providence and unknowable will of the Lord, and even as his own health was failing, still he sought to comfort, encourage and lift up the people he loved.

Born and raised in Smyth County, and a proud “Grover”, he married his high school sweetheart, Sherian Colley, a half century ago this year. Ever her protector and provider, he worked to support his family through work at Brunswick Corporation, where he worked for over 20 years, followed by Klockner for another 25. His work on a certain aircraft which recently made the news in a turning point of world affairs in the Middle East, was a particular source of satisfaction for Eddie, and he faithfully carried many of the classified elements of its design with him to the end. His employees told him that they wished they could be like him, and indeed, so many of us beset by anger, anxiety and strife can and should look to Eddie as an example of strength and clarity under pressure. Though never outwardly flustered or upset, he carried the burden of leadership with humility and honor, and perhaps through the peace that passes all understanding of man, he never let things bother him.

A joy and a blessing to be around, Eddie found happiness in many pursuits, and even more so when he could share them with others. He loved fishing, especially with his father, and they looked forward to opening day of trout season as though it were Christmas morning. He loved NASCAR, and on his 50th birthday climbed behind the wheel himself. He learned to play golf from Randall Hamm, and would play for many years in the fellowship of many friends that have gone on before. Ever faithful to those who became his family by choice, Eddie could be counted as a true friend.

He blessed the world with a beautiful family, and worked tirelessly to provide for them the best life he could give them. By instilling in them his values and character - through actions, not words - he has prepared them to carry on in his absence. His gentle kindness, sincere and thoughtful words, and calm leadership will carry on through all of us, if we but have the strength of character to emulate Eddie Medley.

Eddie said that some of the best years of his life were when he was saved by the grace of God and joined the Sugar Grove Baptist Church. There, would start his journey of faith under the guidance and through the wisdom of Junior Parsons, Randall Hamm, and Rev. Kenny Price, and ultimately serve as a deacon, bible school leader, and Sunday school superintendent. His life served as his testimony to his Lord and Savior; a demonstration through actions, not words, attesting to his submission to the will of God and an example to others. In Eddie’s own words, as we found in a yellowed set of Sunday School notes from 1988, he would want all of you to know that: “When we turn to God, with convicted hearts and repenting of our sins God opens our eyes to His world, that we may better serve Him and not just ourselves and worldly pleasures, and God will give us that foundation we need to go through life with and the devil cannot pluck us from God’s hand ”.

Celebrate with us that Eddie’s work is done, and look to his example for a model of a life well lived. Visitation will be held from 11:00AM - 12:30PM on Wednesday, July 9 at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA. Funeral service to follow immediately after with Pastor David Medley officiating. The funeral service will be live-streamed beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/seaverbrownfuneral.

In lieu of flowers, Eddie and Sherian request that donations be made to the Slemp Cemetery in Sugar Grove, ℅ Becky Long, 4850 Sugar Grove Hwy, Sugar Grove, VA, 24375.

To share memories of Edward Cebert Medley, Jr., please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Eddie has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA 24354.