Samuel Medley Jr., 83, of East Sparta passed away Saturday, January 10, 2015, following a long illness.  The son of the late Samuel Medley and Berniece Mincks Medley, Sam was born in Dexter City, Ohio on April 3, 1931.  He graduated from East Sparta High School in 1949.  He was united in marriage to Marguerite Barrick on June 17, 1951.  Sam served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 in New Castle, Delaware, and then attended the Philadelphia Barber School.  He owned and operated Sam's Barber Shop of East Sparta for 44 years, retiring in 2003.  He was very active in the American Legion, having served as Commander of the Tenth District, State of Ohio, Commander of Stark County Council, and Commander of Isaac L. Kinney Post #244.  He was a member of the East Sparta United Methodist Church and served as chair of its Administrative Board for 25 years. Those who knew Sam loved him for his keen sense of humor, wise counsel, moral character, and his faith in God.  He quietly influenced others by living a life of honor and integrity. Sam is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marguerite; two daughters, Dr. Susan Medley of Pittsburgh, PA, and Rita Christie of East Sparta; two grandchildren, Olivia and Sam Christie of East Sparta; great-grandson Joshua Offenberger; two sisters, Elsie (William) Reynolds of East Sparta and Barbara (Donald) Hootman of Canton; a brother, Stanley (Sandra) Medley of Mission, TX; and many nieces and nephews. In accordance with his wishes, Sam's body was donated to the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2015, at 11:00 am at the East Sparta United Methodist Church with Pastor Peggy Garner officiating.  The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Sam's memory be made to Isaac L. Kinney American Legion Post #244, PO Box 354, East Sparta, OH 44626, or the East Sparta United Methodist Church, PO Box 445, East Sparta, OH 44626.  Condolences may be sent to:  www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

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