Michael John Medders, Jr.

Michael John Medders, Jr., 58, of Buena Vista, went home to meet Jesus on Sunday, February 18, 2024 after a long courageous battle with ALS. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM at New Providence Baptist Church with Rev. David Chapman and Rob Ballard officiating.  The family will greet friends in the New Providence fellowship hall beginning at 3:00 PM until service time.  

Michael Medders was born March 27, 1965 in Dublin, Georgia to Michael John, Sr. and Janie M. Medders.   He spent his early school years in Albany, GA and finished middle/high school in Vidalia, GA. He continued his education at Georgia Southern University, and earned a BS in Printing Management. Michael and his wife, Leigh, moved to Buena Vista, GA after the birth of their first child, Trip, was born in Athens, GA. Here, he taught various subjects in the Marion County School System, however his love and passion were educating his students in film production, graphic design, media and tennis. He retired after 24 years of service following his ALS diagnosis. He absolutely adored his students and spent countless hours mentoring and working with them making short films, editing movies, capturing shots with the camera and coaching lessons and training athletes on the tennis courts. Even up until the last few weeks of his life, he visited the high school tennis courts frequently to watch the upcoming student athletes and offer coaching advice.

All who knew Michael knew that he loved his students, his friends, his family, and his children were his top priority.  His faith was strong, and he never once complained about his condition. He always knew how to lighten the mood and make people smile. He encouraged all who met him to appreciate the small, simple things in life.

He lost so much over the years to the cruel ways of ALS, but he never allowed the disease to crush his positive spirit. He refused to let ALS cripple his personality. He would light up a room with his wit and wisdom, and most importantly, he never let it dim his faith in Jesus. In difficult moments, he would remind us of how truly blessed we were. He helped his family keep all things in perspective, focusing on the things that really matter in this lifetime.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Leigh Rogers Medders of Buena Vista; three children, Trip Medders of Atlanta, Emmy Medders of Atlanta and Bense Medders of Buena Vista; his parents, Michael John, Sr. and Janie M. Medders of Statesboro, GA; sister, Michelle Rushing and her husband, Mark of Statesboro, GA; mother-in-law, JoAnne Rogers; sister-in-law, Misty and her husband, Jeff McAfee; brother-in-law, Tom and his wife, Gynger; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Flowers are welcomed by the family in memory of Michael John Medders Jr.. Contributions may be made to Columbus Hospice at www.columbushospice.com, 7020 Moon Rd. Columbus, Ga. 31909 or to the Marion County High School Tennis Team, 1 Eagle Drive, Buena Vista, GA 31803.