Oliver Medford

Oliver Medford 78, of Green Cove Springs, FL, after a short illness, passed away March 22, 2023. He was born on January 7th 1945 in Gaston County, North Carolina, one of five children born to the late Aretta Thomas and Fred Medford.

Oliver started his career in the United States Army as infantry and as a lineman specialist. He served in Germany during the Vietnam war until his commitment was fulfilled. Oliver worked in several diverse fields; after the Army he worked in the steel industry for many years, later he worked with his daughter Laura in the screen printing and embroidery business in Homestead, FL, so he could be close to his daughter and the grandchildren. With the grandchildren grown he retired and he and Diane moved back to North Florida. Not one to stay idle Oliver went to work for Clay County Schools building services until he retired again to become the 24/7 caretaker for Diane who after a long illness passed in 2018.

Oliver loved the family life and especially the children. He deeply cared about them and what they were doing and was constantly teasing and encouraging them to do well and be kind to others. He loved to take the family camping, fishing, to the lake or for a boat ride. Primarily sitting around a fire and talking with the kids (big and small) brought him great joy. Oliver was a giving person, he had experienced severe poverty as a child and he never forgot where he had come from and so he was always quick to lend a hand and subsidence to others in need. He was just so grateful for the family and the things (few as they were) that he had as an adult. He truly had an attitude of gratitude. He believed that he was truly blessed and so he was.

Oliver is survived by his two children, Laura Jones (Terry), Mark Smith; his five grandchildren, Michele Jones-Elguezabal (Jose), Georgia Jones, Angela Neece (Brett), Michael Smith, Tiffany Kelly; his nine great-grandchildren, Christopher Lorenzo, Devin Elguezabal, Aidan Nicotra, Makayla Neece, Cole Neece, Caylee Neece, Louie Kelly, Precious Kelly, Marshall Kelly; his three siblings Mary Medford, Starlene Davis, Robin Medford; and many nieces and nephews.

An outdoor celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Oliver’s place, 2057 Deel Road, Green Cove Springs, FL, with Chaplain Brent Beaird officiating.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Oliver’s charity of choice, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.