Rick Medlin, president and CEO of Fruit of the Loom (asi/84257), died on November 27 of natural causes. He was 68.

Medlin led the company since August 2010. Prior to becoming CEO, Medlin had served in other roles at Fruit of the Loom, including executive vice president of operations, senior vice president of manufacturing and vice president of textile manufacturing. Before joining Fruit of the Loom, Medlin held a variety of positions at NRB Industries, Inc. and Milliken & Company.

“Rick was a special leader and a special person,” the company said in a statement. “He was extremely proud of the progress and success we have shared in the last six years. We owe it to his legacy and honor to continue taking this company forward in accordance with his vision. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Medlin family at this time of loss.”

The company said it will name an interim CEO in the coming days.

A South Carolina native, Medlin attended Clemson University on a football scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree in education.