Celebrating the Retirement of Bill Medlin

After an incredible 38-year career, Bill Medlin is hanging up his hard hat and stepping into retirement. Bill looks back on his decades of service with gratitude and pride, knowing the cooperative has changed tremendously since he first walked through the doors. From new technologies to major construction projects, he has seen the industry evolve “night and day,” and he’s proud to have been part of that growth.

Bill began his career on the maintenance crew, learning the ropes and building the foundation for what would become a long and accomplished journey. In 1994, he became a construction foreman, a role he held for more than 25 years before transitioning into staking in 2020. Becoming a lineman and going through the six-year apprenticeship remains one of his proudest accomplishments. Taking on the foreman role was another milestone that meant a great deal to him.

Throughout his career, Bill contributed to several major projects, but one stands out above the rest: converting the three-phase line on P Highway that feeds the Yako line. The team double-circuited the line, replaced poles, and installed larger wire. He also recalls the early days of converting single-phase to three-phase systems, something the crew had never done before. Those experiences pushed them to learn, adapt, and take pride in their accomplishments.

When asked who influenced him most during his time here, Bill doesn’t hesitate: Jimmy Clark. Bill feels Jimmy played a key role in bringing him on board, selecting him over the other applicants. Their lifelong connection and Jimmy’s guidance left a lasting impact.

More than anything, Bill says he will miss the people. Friendships, the conversations, and the teamwork are what made the long days’ worth it. He describes his coworkers as “top notch” some of the best he’s ever worked with, whether it be down south for hurricanes, crazy Midwest snowstorms, the unpredictable tornadoes, or routine days on the line.

Bill has simple, heartfelt advice for anyone just starting out: “Stick with it. It’s been good to me, and it’ll be good to you.” He believes success in this line of work comes from building skills and learning how to get along with people something he admits wasn’t always easy for him, especially in his earlier years as a foreman. Looking back, he recognizes that age and experience softened him and taught him lessons he hopes others can learn sooner.

When asked how he hopes to be remembered, Bill says, “As a hard worker, and I hope they liked me.” Those who have worked beside him would say that word fits him well. Hard-working. Hard driven, and maybe a little hard on the crew at times but always committed to the job.

As he steps into retirement, Bill is looking forward to what matters most: his grandkids. He has five. Family has always been his anchor, especially when storms and travel took him away from home. They kept the farm running, cared for the cattle, and supported him through every challenge.

At home, Bill will spend his days with his five draft horses, riding and enjoying the simple routines of farm life. He has no travel plans, though he jokes about someday going to Canada to hunt a big buck. Whether or not that trip ever happens, he knows retirement will be full of the things he loves most.

As Bill reflects on his career, he sums it up simply and sincerely:
“I’ve loved this job. It’s been good to me. And I’m grateful to have had the opportunity.”

Congratulations, Bill, on a remarkable career and a well-deserved retirement. Your dedication, hard work, and decades of service will not be forgotten. Enjoy the horses, the grandkids, and your peaceful mornings ahead.