Archdiocese of Atlanta photo

Father Douglas “Doug” Medlin, a resident of the Sweetwater community in Habersham County, died Nov. 4. He was 83 years old.

Born in Athens, on Oct. 14, 1943, Father Medlin grew up in Atlanta and graduated from Murphy High School, and later from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in music. He earned a master’s degree in music from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, and a doctorate in music from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Using his gifts, Father Medlin served as a music teacher in public schools in Virginia and Connecticut. He was head of the music department at West Virginia Wesleyan College and director of music education for 19 years at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

After the successful career as a performer and music educator, he left a tenured professorship and entered, at age 52, the Pope John XXIII National Seminary to prepare for the priesthood.

He was ordained at age 58 for the Archdiocese of Atlanta by Archbishop John F. Donoghue. Following his 2002 ordination, Father Medlin served as a parochial vicar at Holy Family Church in Marietta until June 2003. He then served as a parochial vicar at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Sandy Springs. His ministry also included time at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Alpharetta.

As a priest, he had a particular interest in adult education and ministries for returning Catholics. He is also remembered for his service to the sick.

He is survived by countless students and loving parishioners, caregiver Janice Purdy and friend, Father Fabio Alvarez-Posada. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Mary Medlin.

A funeral Mass will be Thursday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Rd, NE, Atlanta.