Medlock was born on October 13, 1940, in Arab Hospital to Opal and Doyle Medlock. The third of three children, he lived in the Arab area for most of his life and was raised in a house that sat on property that now belongs to the First Baptist Church. Jonathon and his family loved this church. He was a member there for his whole life and followed his father by serving as a deacon for over 30 years.
In 1959, he graduated from Arab High School and enrolled at Snead St. College. In 1960, he joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Orlando, FL. On December 26, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Buchanan. They lived in Orlando until Jonathon’s discharge in 1964, when they returned to Arab and moved into the house where they lived the rest of his life. On October 13, 1969 (Jonathon’s 29th birthday), Virginia gave birth to their only son, Jon.
After the Air Force, Jonathon started a career with South Central Bell (later AT&T) that began as a lineman and ended on his retirement in 1999. During this time frame, he also became an EMT and, later, one of Arab’s first two paramedics, along with his friend, Dwight Hayes. After retiring from AT&T, he became Arab’s first EMA Director, coordinating Arab’s fire, police, and ambulance response to natural disasters. In this role, he served on the Board of Directors of the North Alabama Emergency Management Agency. He also rejoined the Air Force Reserves. During his tenure in the Reserves, he was recognized as the 908th Airlift Wing’s NCO of the Year. He finally retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service to his country.
In his free time, Jonathon volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America. He eventually founded Arab’s Explorer Scout Post and loved taking older scouts on hiking, backpacking, and canoeing trips. He was awarded Scouting’s highest honor, the Silver Beaver, in recognition of his contribution to the lives of young men through scouting.
The most significant aspect of Jonathon’s life was his life of faith. For all his accomplishments, he knew that he was a sinner in need of a savior. He served Christ his whole life and leaves behind a legacy of humble, quiet faith. Jonathon was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Opal, and his sister Betty. He was survived – and will be missed terribly – by his wife Virginia, his son Jon and daughter-in-law Laurabeth, and his sister Peggy. He also leaves six grandchildren and a host of friends who loved him deeply.
Services for Jonathon will be at Arab First Baptist Church on Friday, December 22, 2023. Visitation will be 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm. Funeral service will be at 2:00 pm with Dr. Paul Murphy and Rev. Jonathan B. Medlock officiating. Pallbearers will be: Andrew Medlock, Jack Medlock, James Buchanan, Ricky Roe, David Skidmore and Grady Coble.
In lieu of flowers, please make a generous donation to the general fund of Arab First Baptist Church. Mail checks to:
Arab First Baptist Church
501 North Main St.
Arab, AL 35016
