Jerry M. Medlin

Mayor Jerry Macon Medlin, a distinguished public servant and beloved community leader, passed away peacefully at his home on November 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving children. He was 87.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at the American Legion building located at 605 N. Wall Street in Benson. Officiating will be Rev. Billy Olsen. A Masonic burial service will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Benson.

Mayor Medlin was born in the Elevation community on August 23, 1937 to the late Johnnie and Mabel Medlin. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Libbie Jean Lee Medlin, brother John G. Medlin, and sister Patsy Medlin Blackman. He graduated from Benson High School where he was president of his class and played basketball and football. While continuing to work hard helping his family on the farm, he attended Campbell College, received a business degree, and enlisted in the National Guard. The work ethic instilled by his parents served him well as he began a 39-year career with Westinghouse in Raleigh and rose to the ranks of senior management before retiring in 1996. 

Dedicated to community service, he was a charter member of the Garner Optimist Club, the Benson Area Optimist Club, and the Benson Partnership for Youth and Community. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the Benson Singing Convention Board, the Mayors Association, the Transportation Advisory Committee, and the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance. He received the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award from the Benson Area Chamber. 

Mayor Medlin was a devoted Mason for over 50 years, and a member of the American Legion. He was also a member of the Benson Global Methodist Church.

Mayor Medlin served the town of Benson with distinction. He was a Town Board Commissioner from 2013-2017 and was elected Mayor in 2017. Mayor Medlin was a true servant leader, building relationships with national, state, and local leaders, and community members. His passion for service and his love for Benson were evident in his tireless efforts to improve the community. With all that he did for the community, he still made time for his other passions, gardening and canning. He was proud of his big garden and always shared his harvest with friends and neighbors. He was a devoted family man, respected leader, and cherished friend.

Mayor Medlin’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his daughter, Jeanelle Medlin McCain; son, Jerry Macon Medlin, Jr., and wife, Elisa Liss; grandson, Will Medlin, granddaughter, Emily Medlin; brother, Tracy Medlin and wife, Anna; and sister-in-law, Judy Lee; many precious nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Baby Girl.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 11:00 A.M.-12:45 P.M. at the American Legion building, and at other times at the home of Mayor Medlin. Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to the Benson Area Ministerial Association, P.O. Box 1260, Benson, NC 27504; or to the Benson Partnership for Youth and Community, P.O. Box 551, Benson, NC 27504.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson.