BENSON – The Town of Benson has announced the passing of Mayor Jerry Medlin.
Following a recent cancer diagnosis, Mayor Medlin passed at his home early this morning (Wednesday) surrounded by family. He was 87.
If you’re a resident of Benson, you no doubt were familiar with Mayor Medlin.
He was tall in stature with a booming voice and big smile. He was involved with nearly everything the Town of Benson did for several years as a commissioner then as Mayor after he was elected to the position in 2017 and re-elected in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
As Mayor, he had a passion for infrastructure and economic development, often attending meetings in Smithfield, Raleigh, and beyond to ensure Benson’s voice was heard and its needs were addressed.
He was instrumental in helping to secure grant funding for numerous town projects — from paving Main Street and storm water improvements to facility upgrades at PK Vyas Community Park.
In fact, the expansion of Benson’s central park with a new field house and additional ballfields was a particular focus for much of Mayor Medlin’s tenure. The upgrades were completed in May 2023 — a field there is named in his honor.
As a longtime member of the Optimist Club, coupled with his mayoral duties, Mayor Medlin could always be found at a local event or in his office at Town Hall.
You’d see him introducing a national softball tournament at South Johnston High School one weekend, welcoming the Singing Convention to the Grove the next, then right back at it again with Community Day, National Night Out, Mule Days, Christmas on Main — the list goes on and on.
With his career background at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Mayor Medlin traveled the world as a younger man, working as a high level sales representative for the company. He would often speak about his time in places like Japan or Germany and doing business there.
He understood what made a good company successful — the people — and applied his experiences and wisdom to his role as Mayor.
Jerry was a tough negotiator, a genuine charmer, and a loyal native to his hometown. He had a vision for Benson and meant it when he said “Benson is the best small town in the world.”
“On behalf of myself and the Town Board, our hearts go out to Mayor Medlin’s family and friends during this difficult time,” said Benson Mayor Pro-Tem Casandra Stack this morning.
“He will be missed immensely in this community that he so passionately served.”
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson.
Thank you for those kind words about everybody’s friend Jerry Medlin. Jerry never met a stranger as when you met him it was like he knew you his entire life. He has left this world a better place everywhere he has been. We will miss you Mr Mayor, Jerry, friend. Pray for us and we will pray for you. Alan Meyerl