Billy Don “Bill” Medlin  1942-2021

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Billy Don “Bill” Medlin, 78, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021. Bill was born Nov. 23, 1942 in Gilmer to W.L. and Grace Medlin, the fifth of seven children. He was a 1961 graduate of Quitman High School where he met his sweetheart of almost 58 years, Beth Harris Medlin. Upon graduation, Bill attended UT Arlington and drove a taxi cab; there he honed his driving skills – later teaching each of his grandkids to drive at early ages. Bill served in the US Army for three years. He then worked for Shell Oil Company and finally moved his family back to Quitman to join his father-in-law, Newt Harris, at Harris Electric, which later became Medlin Electric.

Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Quitman. He was a former mayor of Quitman and was a Mason. Bill was an avid snow skier and enjoyed history, sports, music and he always had a movie suggestion for us. He knew his way around pawn shops and garage sales and was always looking for a deal. He encouraged and supported his family and was generous to all.  

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Beth. Also surviving are his children, Leann Medlin Strnadel and her husband Greg, and son, Brad Medlin and his wife, Sarah; four grandchildren, Megan Strnadel, Cason Strnadel, Allie Medlin and Josh Medlin. Bill is also survived by sisters, Barbara Bridges, Judy Hebron and her husband Bill; sister-in-law Regina Medlin; brothers, Danny Medlin and wife Ann, and Phillip Medlin and wife Ann; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brothers, Bobby Medlin and Jackie Medlin, and brother-in-law, Preston Bridges.

A Life Celebration Service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Quitman, Joy Hall.

Memorials may be made to Quitman Christmas Sharing, P.O. Box 1116 Quitman, TX 75783 or the charity of your choice.