Georgetown, Texas, October 26, 2025
News Summary
H. David Medley, a retired chemical executive and philanthropist, passed away after a long illness. Medley, who had a distinguished career at Celanese Chemical Co., was highly active in community service and higher education philanthropy. His contributions include the establishment of the Rosemary Morris Medley Endowment for Excellence in Teacher Training. A memorial service is set for November 15, honoring his significant impact and dedication to his family and community.
Georgetown, Texas — H. David Medley passed away on October 21, 2023, in Georgetown, Texas, after a long illness. He was a retired chemical executive and philanthropist who spent more than three decades with Celanese Chemical Co., serving in senior sales and marketing roles and ultimately as president of Celanese International Marketing Co. He retired in 1987 after a long career and remained active in his community and in higher-education philanthropy.
Key details and immediate facts
He was born on May 23, 1927, in Abilene, Texas. Medley moved to Georgetown when his father, R.M. Medley, took a coaching position at Southwestern University. He graduated from Georgetown High School and entered the Navy V-5, V-12 program at Southwestern in July 1945. Medley played basketball at Southwestern University, lettering for three years, including being part of the 1945-46 Texas Conference championship team coached by his father.
Career and professional life
He graduated magna cum laude with a BS in chemistry and pursued a doctorate at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin. Medley earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from UT in 1952. He started his career with Celanese Chemical Co. in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1952. Throughout his career, he transferred to various locations including New York City, Weston, Connecticut, and Louisville, Kentucky, before returning to Texas in 1978. Medley served as president of Celanese International Marketing Co. and retired in 1987 after over 30 years with the company. During his time at Celanese, he held leadership roles such as vice president of sales and marketing. He was known as a beloved representative within the petrochemical industry, credited for contributing to the company’s growth during its “golden years.” Medley was a nearly 50-year member of the American Chemical Society and served on several boards of industry associations.
Philanthropy, community service and honors
In retirement, he traveled extensively and volunteered regularly at his grandchildren’s school cafeteria, earning the nickname “granddad in the fish hat.” The Medleys were active members of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas; he was a Rotary member and a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient. Medley established significant philanthropic contributions to both the University of Texas and Southwestern University. He created the Rosemary Morris Medley Endowment for Excellence in Teacher Training to honor his deceased wife, who was a teacher. Medley was inducted into the College of Natural Sciences Hall of Fame at UT in 1996. He was a charter member of the Brown Society and a member of the 1840 Society at Southwestern University. Medley’s letter jacket from the 1945-46 championship team is displayed at Southwestern University, where he also contributed to the athletic program.
Personal life and later years
He met his wife, Rosemary “Rosie” Morris, at Southwestern, and they married in 1949 in Longview, Texas. His dedication to service extended to caring for Alzheimer’s patients after his wife was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in 1999. Medley was known for his love of sports, tracking various teams and participating in paddle tennis and jogging. He witnessed significant sporting events, including Texas’ win over Arkansas in 1969 and the thrilling Rose Bowl victory in January 2006.
Family, memorial and requested contributions
Medley is survived by his sister, five children and their spouses, and six grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for November 15 at 11 a.m. at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, Texas. The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ALS division, in honor of David and Rosemary Medley.
Background and timeline
Born in 1927 in Abilene, Texas, Medley’s early life included moves tied to his father’s coaching career, success in collegiate basketball, and military-related studies through the Navy V-5, V-12 program. Medley’s academic success at Southwestern and at UT Austin led to a doctorate in organic chemistry in 1952 and immediate entry into the chemical industry with Celanese Chemical Co. His career spanned multiple U.S. cities before his return to Texas and retirement in 1987. In retirement, he shifted focus to philanthropy, community service, and family caregiving.
Contact and memorial information
The memorial service is set for November 15 at 11 a.m. at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, Texas. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ALS division, in honor of David and Rosemary Medley.
FAQ
When did H. David Medley pass away?
H. David Medley passed away on October 21, 2023, in Georgetown, Texas, after a long illness.
Where was H. David Medley born?
He was born on May 23, 1927, in Abilene, Texas.
Why did Medley move to Georgetown?
Medley moved to Georgetown when his father, R.M. Medley, took a coaching position at Southwestern University.
What is known about his education?
He graduated magna cum laude with a BS in chemistry and pursued a doctorate at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin. Medley earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from UT in 1952.
When did he start his career and where?
He started his career with Celanese Chemical Co. in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1952.
What positions did he hold at Celanese?
Medley served as president of Celanese International Marketing Co. and retired in 1987 after over 30 years with the company. During his time at Celanese, he held leadership roles such as vice president of sales and marketing.
What philanthropic contributions did he make?
Medley established significant philanthropic contributions to both the University of Texas and Southwestern University. He created the Rosemary Morris Medley Endowment for Excellence in Teacher Training to honor his deceased wife, who was a teacher.
What are details of the memorial service?
A memorial service is scheduled for November 15 at 11 a.m. at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, Texas.
Where should memorial contributions be sent?
The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ALS division, in honor of David and Rosemary Medley.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | H. David Medley |
| Birth | He was born on May 23, 1927, in Abilene, Texas. |
| Death | H. David Medley passed away on October 21, 2023, in Georgetown, Texas, after a long illness. |
| Education | Magna cum laude BS in chemistry; Medley earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from UT in 1952. |
| Career | Started with Celanese Chemical Co. in 1952; Medley served as president of Celanese International Marketing Co. and retired in 1987 after over 30 years with the company. |
| Philanthropy | Medley established significant philanthropic contributions to both the University of Texas and Southwestern University. |
| Memorial | A memorial service is scheduled for November 15 at 11 a.m. at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, Texas. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: H. David Medley
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy
- Dignity Memorial: Memorial Service Details
- Google Search: American Chemical Society
- Dignity Memorial: Philanthropy Contributions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Organic Chemistry
- Dignity Memorial: H. David Medley’s Personal Life
- Google News: Georgetown, Texas
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