Donald Ray Medlin

Donald Medlin, of Pine Knoll Shores, died on March 5 after a battle with melanoma. He was 59.

Born in Durham in 1963, Donald was the son of Steve and Betty Medlin. He graduated from Southern High School and received a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from East Carolina University. He married Julia Thomasson, whom he met at ECU, in 1987. After a brief stint as a technician for Keyser-Roth, Don became a stay-at-home father to his and Julia’s two sons, Eric and Robben. He later worked as an instructor at Vance Granville Community College for a decade.

Don's three great loves were his family, music, and the beach. He played in over a dozen bands during his forty-year career, including MIA, Offcenter, Comet, and the Moans. Don opened for world-famous acts like Steppenwolf and the Marshall Tucker Band. His band Off Center released its first album, New World, in 1998. He told his friends and family that his dream was to write the next great song, which he planned to call "Stairway to Freebird” in a reference to two hit songs of the 1970s.

Don's love for the beach was evident since childhood. He moved to Pine Knoll Shores in 2019 and lived there until his death. Don volunteered with the local turtle-watching group and guided dozens of sea turtles to the ocean. He is remembered for his generosity, booming laugh, and gentle nature.

Don is survived by his two sons, Eric and Robben, and his mother, Betty Medlin.

A visitation will be held from 2:30 - 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Hudson Funeral Home with a funeral service following at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Tim Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NC Aquarium Society.