A native of Danbury, North Carolina, Mendenhall began wrestling in ninth grade at South Stokes High School, where he was a two-time sectional champion. In 1974, he was named South Stokes athlete of the year and was awarded the Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At UNC, Mendenhall was a member of the wrestling team and earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. He later earned two master’s degrees – in counseling and administration – from North Carolina A&T University.

Mendenhall began a 36-year career in education in 1980, serving in multiple roles as a teacher, coach, counselor, administrator, and superintendent.  He was a principal for 12 years in Stokes County at Sandy Ridge Elementary, Nancy Reynolds Elementary, and North Stokes High School. He later served five years as Superintendent of Stokes County Schools. In 2004, he was named Stokes County Principal of the Year. In 2016, Mendenhall was elected to the Stokes County Board of Commissioners, was re-elected in 2020, and served until 2024.

In wrestling, Mendenhall coached at Southeastern Stokes Middle School from 1983 to 1988, compiling an impressive record of 100–12. As a wrestling official he was a respected figure in North Carolina high school wrestling from 1985 through 2022. Over his 38-year officiating career, he officiated 26 NCHSAA individual state tournaments, six NCHSAA dual team finals, and the prestigious Super 32 tournament. He also served for 20 years on the Piedmont Wrestling Officials Association Board of Directors and was a member of the NCHSAA Board of Directors from 2015 to 2016.

Mendenhall has received numerous honors for his service to wrestling and education. He was awarded the Dick Knox Distinguished Service Award in 2009 and named the National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS) North Carolina Wrestling Official of the Year in 2022. Known for his energy, animation, and passion for officiating, Mendenhall’s philosophy was fairness and integrity. “When I called a match, I wanted the match to be decided by the wrestlers—not me. For this to happen, I had to be in the right position and know the correct application of the rules.” His professionalism and commitment made him a respected leader in officiating and an effective mentor to younger officials across the state.

In addition to his induction into the North Carolina Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Mendenhall has been recognized for his public service. He received the Cardinal Award from Governor Pat McCrory in 2016 and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Roy Cooper in 2024 – one of the highest civilian honors in North Carolina.