Albert Russell "Rusty" Medford, III, 54 of Lexington Park, MD passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. Born on May 5, 1959 in Atlantic City, NJ, he was the son of Albert Russell Medford, Jr., and the late Margaret C. Medford.

Rusty was the loving husband of Tracy Allene Medford, his high school sweetheart, whom he married on July 22, 1980 in Decatur, GA.

Rusty is survived by his three children; son Christopher Medford (Heidi) and their two children Hayden and Chase of Suffolk, VA., daughter Ashley Medford of Suffolk, VA, son Brandon Medford of Lexington Park, MD as well as Rusty's two brothers John Medford (Ing-Marie) of Acworth, GA and their children Jennifer (Tyler) and Joshua (Kara) and his brother Michael Medford of Acworth, GA., father Albert R. Medford of Acworth, GA., and mother-in-law Peggy Rodgers from Tallapoosa, GA. along with a loving extended family including several nieces and nephews.

Commander Albert R. "Rusty" Medford, III, a native of Decatur, Georgia, graduated from Avondale High School in June 1978. He enlisted in the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) Airman Recruit (AMSAR) in May 1980. Rusty loved the Navy and had a 30 year career filled with challenging jobs and wonderful people.

Rusty reported to the USS Inchon, (LPH-12) stationed in Norfolk, VA. In June 1983, he served as the Airframes, Welding and NDI Work Center Supervisor in NAS Bermuda. In June 1986, Rusty transferred to VFA-131 "Wildcats" in Cecil Field, Florida and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in September 1990.

Rusty transferred to VFA-106 "Gladiators" in January 1991 where he was commissioned as an Active Duty Limited Duty Officer (LDO) in February 1992. In May 1992, now Ensign Medford transferred to the VFA-151 "Vigilantes" in Lemoore, California where he served as the Maintenance Material Control Officer.

In September 1995, Rusty transferred to Naval Strike Test Squadron (VX-23) in Patuxent River, Maryland as the Assistant Aviation Maintenance Officer. In September 1998, CDR Medford was re-designated as an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer (AMDO) and reported to the VAW-117 "Wall Bangers" at NAS Miramar, CA. In September 2000, Rusty reported to Naval Air Systems Command, where he served as PMA-265 F/A-18 Program Office Air Vehicle Deputy Assistant Program Manager for Logistics (DAPML) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland.

In March 2004, he transferred to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in Newport News, VA. In 2006, Rusty returned to NAVAIR as the Cryogenic, Hydraulic Support Equipment Deputy Program Manager for PMA-260. In July 2008, CDR Medford reported to the Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic, Patuxent River to serve as the Maintenance Officer in July 2008.

During his military career, CDR Medford served during several conflicts including Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf. He retired from the U.S. Navy after serving 30 years of honorable service in May 2010. CDR Medford's personal decoration includes PAMDO Gold Wings, a Meritorious Service Medal, 5 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, 7 Navy Achievement Medals, 2 Good Conducts and various unit and service awards. Upon retirement from the Navy, Rusty worked as a local contractor until 2011 when he became the P-8 Configuration Manager for PMA-290.

Rusty was a dedicated father and husband. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, Hayden and Chase. Rusty loved to scuba dive and was an avid racket ball player. Rusty loved to travel with his wife of almost 33 years to see new sites and meet people. If he wasn't traveling, it was not unusual to see his home filled with people on any given weekend for an impromptu BBQ and gathering. The door was always open at Rusty's house. He was always a strong advocate for the community, regularly volunteering with Christmas in April and the Calvert Marine Museum. Rusty was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD,where a Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM with Chaplain Jeffrey Augustin officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Contributions may be made to Christmas in April, P.O. Box 705, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.