Kenneth Karl “Ken” Nottingham, of Hoschton, Georgia, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024, just days before his 75th birthday.
Born December 23, 1949, he was the only child of the late Ralph and Mary Nottingham.
He spent much of his early life living in a two-story white house on Third Avenue in Marlinton.
He was affectionately called “Tadpole” by his family, as a nod to his father, who was nicknamed “Toad.”
After graduating from Marlinton High School, Ken went on to study at Concord College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a teaching field in mathematics and a master’s degree in educational administration. That kicked off a long career in education. His first job was teaching math in Petersburg. He also worked part-time as a telescope operator for the world’s largest telescope at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank.
He went on to be principal at Hillsboro Elementary and Middle School before moving to Surfside Beach, South Carolina, where he taught AP Calculus at Mrytle Beach High School.
He was awarded teacher of the year before retiring.
While Ken was considered a brilliant mathematician, his greatest “job” in life was loving and caring for his wife, Sally. They were devoted to one another for 55 years but have known each other their entire lives. The two, along with their only child, Shawn, were the “Three Amigos” for many years, until Shawn married Mandy, and they gave Ken two grandsons.
Ken asked to be called “Pop” but after many failed attempts, he had to settle for the only name his grandsons could properly pronounce.
From that time forward, Ken’s name became “Bob.”
Bob loved do-it-yourself projects and odd jobs around the house. He found joy in fixing and tinkering with small electronics and even built his own TV. He also enjoyed golfing, but his favorite hobby was spending time with his family. The love he had for each of them was deeply felt and reciprocated.
He is survived by his much-loved wife, Sally; son, Shawn, and wife, Mandy; grandsons, McChord and Campbell; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, where he was a member for many years, or to Hillsboro elementary School.
