William Dennis Medley left this world peacefully to be with his Heavenly Father on February 7, 2016, in his home surrounded by his family, after a yearlong battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born June 19, 1941 in Polk County, MO to William Dean and Erma Lee Medley.

He is survived by his wife Saundra ‘Sonnie’ Kay Medley, son Dennis ‘Denny’ Alan Medley (wife Theresa), daughter Donna Kay Prince (husband Roy), son David Kent Medley (wife Shay), sister Linda Yoast (husband Billy), sister Deanna Cook (husband Ronnie), grandchildren Courtney Reece (husband Joshua), Marissa Medley, Cory Prince, Makenzie Medley, and Robert and William Wehmer, nephews Shawn, Shane, Shannon Yoast, Brian Cook and great granddaughter Hattie Mae Reece who always made him smile and feel a little better with each visit.

Dennis graduated from Pleasant Hope High School in 1959. He married the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Saundra Kenner, on May 19, 1962. He went on to serve our great country in the Army National Guard and then start his family, his most precious endeavor. Dennis was an entrepreneur and businessman all of his life beginning with the family beef cattle farm operation he and Billy ran together for many years in Tin Town, Mo. During this time he also operated as Finance Manager for Friendly Ford, a position he was both good at and proud of, and where he began to fall in love with the car business. He went on to open two donut shops, ‘Medley’s Tasty Donuts’ in Springfield, Mo for several years. The family also owned Brunson’s General Store near Fellows Lake north of Springfield for 7 years. This was a family operation and the heart and hub of the community, from the gas his kids pumped to the deli where Dennis and Sonnie happily prepared custom made sandwiches on the spot, to the grain and feed sold out of the warehouse in the back to local farmers. And his last and final business would be Medley Motors, which he owned and operated for over 30 years. Dennis lived his life to serve and help others and nothing proved this more than the hundreds and hundreds of people he helped in the automotive business. He was always honest and reputable and had many lifelong repeat customers who would only buy cars or trucks from him or his son and partner, David. He helped a countless number of Assemblies of God Missionaries in and out of vehicles when they came home for short periods of time; he helped those down and out that needed a good car. When anyone asked him how he could make any money or get by giving away so much, his answer would always be ‘I will get my reward in Heaven’.

Our greatest loss and his greatest gift was that of being the best husband, father and grandfather anyone could have hoped for. He was there for his family for anything and everything, he never missed one of his children’s ball games or life events regardless of his very busy work schedule. He made sure his children and grandchildren knew how to work hard and play hard. He taught us everything and made sure we had so many great life experiences. We were on the farm riding horses, hauling hay, driving tractors and old trucks, working in the garden, fishing, hunting, skeet shooting, at the lake learning to swim, ski and enjoy nature. Dad always made it a point to bring his family together for an annual camping and float trip that was a special time for all of us. We were taught to help others, to love and follow the Lord and raise our children in the same way.

Dennis lived his life for the Lord, his family, and his work. He was a friend and inspiration to anyone who crossed his path, always the optimist and always smiling. Words cannot express what a great and Godly man he was or how much he was loved and will be missed.
Visitation will be at Greenlawn Funeral Home North on Wednesday, February 10th from 5:00-7:00 pm, funeral Thursday, February 11, 1:00 pm with graveside to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Pastor Scotty Killingsworth officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Convoy of Hope (https://www.convoyofhope.org/donate/), an organization that Dennis and Sonnie are very fond of.