Medlin, Bruce Alexander

Bruce Alexander Medlin, 79 of Aberdeen, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at his home in Aberdeen. He was born on April 25, 1931 in Moore County to the late Raymond and Florence Burnette . He was a graduate of Cameron High School Class of 1951. Bruce was drafted into the U.S. Army as a Military Police and after returning home, he worked at Burlington Mills in Raeford and then he started the Red Barn Dance Hall. In 1959 he began a career with Johnny Ferguson at Johnny‘s Bar and Grill on May Street. Then in 1966, he purchased the business and in 1982 he moved Bruce‘s Tavern to Pennsylvania Avenue where the family still operates the business. He was a member of the S.P. Elks, Woodmen of the World, The American Legion of Aberdeen and was a former member of the Moose Lodge. He sponsored many youth baseball and adult softball leagues. Bruce was known for his kindness for sponsoring many charity events for the people of the community. He was an avid NASCAR fan and a N.C. State fan. He loved his family and his friends. Bruce is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Dorothy “Dot” Riley Medlin. One son, Terry Medlin and wife Donna of Carthage. Two daughters: Cheryl M. Smith and husband Mark of Pinehurst; Dee M. Riley and husband Shawn of Whispering Pines; and a daughter-in-law Diane Medlin of Aberdeen.. Eight grandchildren: Richard Medlin, Jonathan Medlin, Adam Medlin, Sydney Smith, Taylor Smith, Chad Smith, Brittney Riley and Paige Riley. Two sisters: Effie Marks of Cameron and Ruby Carlyle and husband Freddie of Cameron and a brother, Robert Burnette and wife Mary of Cameron. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m. at Bethesda Presbyterian Church with The Very Rev. James Buchholz and Rev.Jonathan Wallace officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. Memorial contributions may be made to FirstHealth Hospice, 150 Applecross Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374.