Joseph Franklin Medlin Sr.

Over my head I hear music in the air,

Over my head I hear music in the air,

There must be a God somewhere

Joseph Franklin Medlin, Sr., known affectionally as “Mr. Joe” or “Coach Joe,” answered God’s call to beautify the world and enhance the health and well-being of children and adults through a lifelong career dedicated to parks and recreation. Throughout his decades of municipal service as a director, he created, implemented, and cultivated countless recreation programs, sports leagues, tournaments, and activities that supported and enriched community members of all ages. He poured his heart, mind, body, and soul into helping folks enjoy the wondrous gift of life and, throughout it all, he remained creative, innovative, and attentive to the details that make for excellence in his work.

As head coach of the Southport Little Cougars, Coach Joe taught the fundamentals of football to the area’s youth while fostering their passion and love for the game. His teams were known for being disciplined, well-coached, and prepared for the next level. High school coaches instinctively knew which players went through Coach Joe’s program because they were sound in the fundamentals needed to compete at the highest levels.

Mr. Joe and his beautiful wife, Anne, called the city of Southport home. They loved the laid-back culture and simplistic beauty of coastal living and could often be seen driving along the waterfront or sitting at one of the many benches or swings that Mr. Joe built for the city. After retirement, he embraced woodworking as a hobby and gave generously of this innate talent. Joe and Anne also spent a great deal of time at one of the community dog parks. Their Boxers, Rocky and City Girl, gave them great joy and companionship during their golden years.

The community of Southport will forever bear the mark of Mr. Joe’s faithful dedication and tireless service. If you’ve lived in the area long enough, you’ve been touched by his life in one way or another. His love for the city was reflected in the ever-present sign on their front lawn: “Don’t change Southport, let Southport change you!”

Most importantly, Daddy was a family man. Each of us knew how much he loved us and would do anything in the world to make our lives better. He showed it in unique and various ways. Sometimes it was simply knowing and surprising us with our favorite snack, which was important to him as well. Life will be a little less fun and funny without him.

His family, friends, former players, campers, and co-workers will forever cherish their many memories of Mr. Joe. He was easy to be around and kept everyone light-hearted. You can’t tell a story about him without smiling or even enjoying a deep-belly laugh.

Mr. Joe always kept his Bible next to the bed, yet he didn’t wear religion on his sleeve. You wouldn’t find him singing in the choir, but he loved to hear a good sermon or hymn. He especially enjoyed his Sunday School class at Southport Baptist Church. No one can be surprised that he was one of those crazy souls that chose to be baptized in the Atlantic Ocean on a freezing cold Christmas day. He wouldn’t have done it any other way!

Early in the morning of Sunday, February 4, Mr. Joe heard that beautiful chorus of angels over his head and began his journey into the eternal love of God. As grace would have it, a special caregiver at TerraBella was whispering in his ear as he took his last breath, saying, “It’s okay to let go, Mr. Joe, your children and grandchildren will be okay.”

In the days leading up to his peaceful transition, he had been conversing with family and friends who preceded him in death. It seems that he was being prepared for what “no eye has seen, nor ear has ever heard.” We all saw Daddy leaving, but God saw him coming.

For that, we can all exclaim, “Alleluia!”

Joe is survived by two children, Shandi J. Medlin-Sellers and husband Robert, and Joseph Franklin Medlin, Jr. and wife Crystal; four grandchildren, Madison Stanley (Will), Christopher Howard, Solomon Paul Medlin, and Kingston Malachi Medlin; two special people whom he loved like grandchildren, Monni Morrow and Melanie Cusick; many cousins; and a host of friends who are like family.

The family extends a special thank you to Mike and Carol Isenberg and the wonderful staff at TerraBella Assisted Living Facility.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held at Southport Baptist Church on Saturday, March 16 at 1pm.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.