Edward Medal, 66, of Owens Cross Roads passed away Monday at Crestwood Medical Center.
Mr. Medal is survived by his loving wife, Janice of 39 years. He is also survived by daughter Rhonda Naff and husband Michael of Huntsville, daughter Danielle Doty and husband Chris of Franklin, TN, son Richard Medal of Huntsville, and sister Phyllis Bailey of Indiana, PA.
He had seven grandchildren, Brandon Medal and wife Kimberly, Brittany Medal, Alyssa Naff, Tyler Ivey, Jackson Doty, Jared Doty and Jakob Naff; two great-grandchildren, Maggie Murray and Kendall Medal.
Mr. Medal was born in Joliet, Illinois and resided in Huntsville for 30 years. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He retired from NASA in 2002 after 26 years of dedicated service. Mr. Medal has the distinction of being the first Viet Nam veteran to be hired by NASA. He had a deep and abiding love for the Space Program.
Mr. Medal graduated cum laude from Troy State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in 1978. He went on to receive his Master of Science in Personnel Management in 1981. Mr. Medal was best known for his total devotion to his family and church. All who knew him loved him.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Spry Funeral Home. The family will receive friends 10 am-noon with funeral services following, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2110 Byrd Springs Road, Huntsville. Funeral services will follow at Noon at the Church. Interment will follow at Hampton Cove Cemetery.
