The automotive industry was founded by a few, shaped by many and influenced by dozens over the years, but its the legendary hot rod founding fathers that truly take the cake for making the hot rod scene what it is today. Unfortunately, last weekend the hot rod industry lost another great–Mr. Tom Medley. A true gearhead to the end, please help us and the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association in remembering this remarkable man.

Image: Goodguys

As many of you know, Medley was an integral part of the hot rod industry. Not only was he one of the original contributors to Hot Rod Magazine back in the late 1940s, he was also a famed hot rod cartoonist, with his character Stroker McGurk, publisher and editor of Rod & Custom magazine, and a founding father for the street rod craze. After all, it was he and good friend Leroi “Tex” Smith that organized the first ever Street Rod Nationals in Peoria, Illinois.

From his many contributions to the industry, Medley inspired so much, including the founding of many organizations and events, including the National Hot Rod Association and even the famed Goodguys Rod & Custom Association shows.

According to Goodguys news, Goodguys founder Gary Meadors not only looked up to Medley, he also found a life-long friend. Because of this and his influence on the hot rod community, Medley was invited to the Goodguys West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton, California every year to give the Stoker McGurk Award away to the show’s “most bitchin’ roadster.”

Image: Goodguys

While Medley was 93 when he passed, he continued to be a participating member of the industry right up to the end.

In fact, just a few weeks before his passing, friends from his days at Rod & Custom saw him at a Go-Kart event. In addition to being a hot rod enthusiast, Medley was a proud member of the TIHSEPA (Apeshit spelled backwards) Kart Klub.

A World War II veteran, hot rod enthusiast and inspiring contributor to the  industry, Medley will be greatly missed.

If you’d like to share your inspiring stories about Medley, be sure to visit the Stoker McGurk Facebook page and post your thoughts.

In 2011, a tragic fire severely burnt Medley’s prized ’40 Ford Coupe, but that didn’t keep Medley or the hot rod from reuniting again in 2012 after the industry stepped up to help rebuild the car.