Harlan Thomas Medford
May 7, 2023
CHARLOTTE – Harlan Thomas Medford of Charlotte, NC, originally from Atlanta, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 7, 2023, with his wife, Mary Ann, and daughter, Ashley, holding his hands.
Harlan was born on August 11, 1943, in Chattanooga, TN, and soon moved to Atlanta, GA. He graduated from O’Keefe High School in 1961. While working full time, Harlan subsequently earned his BS and MBA degrees. He began his professional career with Avon Products in 1967. In 1981, a job transfer led Harlan to Tiffany and Co. in New York. In 1984, a desire to return to Atlanta to be with family and friends led Harlan to work in the staffing industry, where he successfully helped build companies and eventually owned his own staffing company. In 2002, Harlan retired to New Smyrna Beach, FL. After enjoying golf with many friends, traveling to Italy with Mary Ann and family, and spending time with his grandson, Connor, he shared his talents providing consulting services to local companies. In 2012, Harlan and his family relocated to Charlotte, NC, where he joined In-Flight Crew Connections in 2014. In 2020, Harlan retired - for real this time. During his years in Charlotte, Harlan enjoyed golfing with his grandson, Connor; visiting Italy as often as possible; following the Atlanta Braves; volunteering at Central Church; and spending time with those in need of a friend.
Harlan was known for his love for people, and he found great pleasure in helping others. He always wanted the best for everyone and found incredible joy in seeing others succeed. His beautiful blue eyes, bright smile, infectious laugh, warm hugs, and his ability to make everyone he met feel important and valued will be remembered and is a reminder of his love for the Lord.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to the Atrium Health Cabarrus Care Team: Chris, Kathy, Melanie, Patty, Donna, Marjorie, Laura, Ayesha, Jackie, Patricia, Jacob, Mary Beth and Doctors McKinsey and Bourke.
Harlan is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann; his sons, Tom of Alpharetta, GA and Brad and daughter-in-love, Teresa of Newnan, GA; daughter, Ashley and grandson, Connor, of Charlotte, NC; grandsons, Kyle, Cory, and Quinn all of Louisville, KY; and great-granddaughter, Cleo of Louisville, KY. Also surviving are his brother, Van and his wife, Melody of Dallas, GA; nephew, Austin and his wife, Chelsea of Cartersville, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Wilson Medford, and Laura Louella Thomas Medford, and cherished friends Stan and Rowena Martin.
A celebration of Harlan’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Weatherby Hall at Central Church, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Harlan Medford to Central Church, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC, 28270.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Harlan was a dear friend to the Hagan family for years . In roswell and then new Smyrna Beach . We have such wonderful memories and such good times together. I know he is up there with my mom and they are looking down on us with smiles . Blessings on all the Medford family . Bob Hagan and family
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There are probably just a few times in life when you will work for someone who inspires you, leads you, encourages you and genuinely cares about your success. Harlan was that man. I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed. I will never forget his mentorship, respect and passion for doing the right thing. I'm so sad to hear of his passing but know the impact he had on the people around him will be long, long lasting. My deepest condolences to the family.
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Harlan was a great guy. We went to high school together in Atlanta at O'Keefe High School. He was a good friend and a good athlete. RIP Harlan. You have earned your reward.
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I am so sorry for your loss Stephanie and Ashley are friends on Facebook and that is how i heard of Harland's passing.
God bless you and be with you all in the coming days -
Harlan was a leader in our Meadows and Sugar Mill neighborhood. If not golfing Harlan was helping neighbors or keeping their home beautiful with incredible landscaping. Harlan showed me how to properly wash a car too.
I always thought Connor was the luckiest kid to have a grandfather like Harlan.
The Medfords were always there for my Mom and Dad. We had so much fun with this special family. Rest in peace.
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