William (Bill) "Manley" Nottingham joined his wife, Martha, in rest on January 31st, 2024. Although we miss him dearly, we know he is at peace with the love of his life. Manley is special enough to have two birthdays- the first his "real birthday" on April 3, 1943; and then the documented one on May 2nd, 1944. Although he claimed there was a mix up with his birth certificate, it was probably just an excuse to have birthday cake twice. He was born in Fouke, Arkansas to Charles, and Agatha (Oswald) Nottingham. Preceded in death by his siblings Vitula (Tula), George Washington (Bud), Charles (Junior), Jesse James (JJ), Lena, Curtis Bell (CB), Terry, Leanard (LB). He and Martha married on August 27th, 1975 in Rockford, IL. After moving to the area in 1973, he began working at Arnolds in Marengo, where he retired after over 35 years. During that time, he and his wife had two beautiful children; Jerimiah Nottingham (Clint Kilber), and Deana (Tim) Hieb. Manley also has two children from a previous marriage, Nola Gallardo, and Shelly Barroso. Later in life he was blessed with an addition to the family, Jodie Kozuszko (a close friend of Deana), who he never failed to make feel included. His kids and grandkids truly were the highlight of his life. He had five grandchildren; William, Nolan and Taylor Hieb, Lynnea (Caleb) Blatchford, and Koby Nottingham. Manley was never too busy to pick any of them up for school, or take them to a sports practice or game. They returned the favor later in life by taking him to the store and out to eat, one of his favorite things to do. His great granddaughters Eliana and Emery Blatchford adored him, just as much as he adored them. He loved waking up each morning and getting to see their smiling faces. Their favorite thing to do together was eat candy, or ice cream which he made sure there was never a shortage of. He enjoyed drinking coffee, especially out of his mug that said "The best job I've ever had is being a Papa." There was always a pot of coffee brewing, no matter the time. Manley loved to metal detect, and he had even tried magnet fishing. He had a good collection of coins and silver that he had dug up over the years. Although he had always said how much he wanted to win the lottery, his family was worth more than gold. He never missed a chance to tell them that either. If you were blessed to know Papa, you know he was kind hearted, a story teller, selfless, funny as hell, hardworking, and most of all, so incredibly loved. Nana and Papa gave us the greatest gift we could ever ask for- a life full of love.
Celebration of life and luncheon for William as well as his wife, Martha; will be held at the Rotary River Center, 1160 S. Riverside Dr. Beloit, WI 5311 on May 11, 2024 at 11 am.