Newton H. Medford III, 59, of Kennesaw died Sunday, June 20, 2010. Services will be held 5:00 pm Friday at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta with Chaplain Phil Owens officiating. Newton Hamilton Medford, III was a life long resident of the Marietta area. He had a deep love for the community and had no desire to live elsewhere-never living more than a few miles from the Marietta Square. Kennesaw Mountain was especially dear to him and in spare time, he was often seen walking the trails of Kennesaw Mountain with his beloved Cairn Terrier, Abby, in tow. Newt turned his passion for nature into a thriving business, building Marietta Nursery Company from the ground up with his partners. His low-key, easy going spirit drew loyal customers to him, many of which became good friends. He came by his entrepreneurial spirit naturally. His grandfather, Newt Sr., ran Medford's Food Store and his uncle Dempsey Medford owned The Book Store, both of which were fixtures on the Marietta Square for years. His uncle Earl Medford served Mariettans as a well-known realtor and insurance broker. On June 25, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Christy Lester. And it is on the very day of their 39th wedding anniversary that friends and family will gather and mourn his passing and celebrate his life. Newt was preceded in death by his parents, Newton Hamilton Medford, Jr. and Jennie Lyle Medford. He is survived by his wife, Christy, their children Chris and Leslie and his sister Ann Medford Myers. His passing came suddenly, but the positive impact he had on the lives of his family, his friends and his community will always be remembered. Family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. www.mayeswarddobbins.com

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