George Washington Medlin of Robbinsville, N.C., went to live in eternity with Christ, his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 9, 2022.
He was born in Graham County’s Stecoah community; the first-born son of John Andy Medlin and Clercy Elizabeth Medlin’s eight children.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Clark Medlin, Charles Medlin and Dale Medlin, his sisters, Billie K. Queen, and Retha Mae Payne.
He is survived by two siblings, Earl Douglas Medlin of Hendersonville, N.C. and Barbara Medlin Craig of Salem, Ore.
He is also survived by three sisters-in-law: Charlene, Dorothy and Gloria; and 16 nieces and nephews.
In the first years of George’s life, he began a long struggle under the care of local health officials to treat his inability to grow normally. After several years of treatment, primarily with vaccinations, his parents were directed to accept his birth condition as a midget. They were also advised that his life expectancy was probably less than 35 years. Through God’s grace, he lived until the age of 83.
In the intervening years of his life, he completed a two-year circus tour performing as a midget clown, then returned to his parents and Graham County.
Rope tying and mechanical-leveraging skills learned in the many moves and set-ups made by the circus proved to be of lifelong value. He simply would use those skills to figure out how to do almost anything a normal-sized adult could.
He was instrumental in maintaining the Medlin household by practicing his love of farming activities, raising livestock (horses, cattle, dogs) and produce (corn, tobacco, hay).
In performing these activities, he was ingenious in recruiting help from his siblings and friends. One friend and neighbor, Harold Rogers, helped him gain employment at the local Stanley plant. He was employed there for about 22 years and retired in 2002.
Both parents passed away prior to his retirement, but he continued to live alone on a small Pinhook Road farm until 2011 when his health declined so badly, he could no longer live alone. Next, he lived with his brother Doug and sister Retha for a little over four years.
On July 27, 2015, George was admitted to Graham Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, where he spent his remaining life surrounded with many of his friends and coworkers.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2022, at the Townson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel. It was officiated by family and friends.
Burial followed the service at Panther Creek Cemetery, alongside his parents. The family received friends from 2-3 p.m. Friday at the chapel, prior to the service.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home was honored to serve the Medlin Family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.