West Chatham Chapel

Rincon, GA - Thomas James Medlin, 17, Rincon, Ga., went to be with the Lord and his Grandpa on Saturday, February 16, 2008.

Thomas was born in Independence, Missouri and spent most of his younger childhood years in Olathe, Kansas. Thomas and his family moved to Rincon two years ago. Thomas was a junior at South Effingham High School where he was a member of the Mustang wrestling team. Thomas was just developing his wrestling skill and showing great promise. What he lacked in experience he substituted with heart, drive and determination. Thomas qualified to participate in the State Wrestling Tournament, wrestling to a second place finish at the Area Championships last Saturday. Thomas was also and avid snowboarder. Thomas dearly loved his family and always had a smile on his face.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Howard Medlin.

Survivors include his parents, Brad and Kristi Medlin of Rincon; big brother and best friend, Taylor Medlin; maternal grandparents, Buddy and Billie Bagwell of Greenwood, Arkansas; paternal grandmother, Joan Medlin of Gardner, Kansas; aunts and uncles, Craig and Cindy Campbell of Annadel, Virginia, Steve and Tammie Bagwell of Charlotte, NC, Brett and Kalene Bagwell of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Mark and Kimbarly Medlin of Mount Pleasant, SC; cousins, Jared, Tyler and Alison Campbell, Bella, Sophia, Liam, Beau and Miranda Bagwell; Paige, Hannah, Hallie and Lindsay Medlin; and many other relatives including great aunts and uncles.

The memorial service to celebrate Thomas' life will be on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, West Chatham Chapel in Pooler, GA. Pastor Craig Campbell will preside over the services. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions to Thomas' "wrestling family" at the following: South Effingham High School "Take Down Club," a non-profit organization, c/o Larry Nelson - President, 127 Kensington Circle, Guyton, GA 31312.