John Robert Bottorff, III, 81, Bowling Green passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at Hospice of Southern Kentucky. The Goshen, KY native was a son of the late John Robert Bottorff, Jr. and Patricia Spangler Bottorff. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Susan Bottorff Shackleford.

Mr. Bottorff was a founding  and long-time member of Harvest Baptist Church in Louisville, where he also served as a Deacon. He was currently a member of Southeast Christian Church where he helped build their Easter pageant set. He was an adult  Sunday school teacher at both churches and was a volunteer carpenter at Country Lake Christian Retreat. John was a man of many talents; he built his own home, a ski boat, water skis, and  various pieces of furniture. John was an avid UK fan that loved to coach his Wildcats from his favorite chair.  Later in life he became a private pilot and flew his friends and family to Owensboro for BBQ. He was an educator holding a Rank 1 title. John began his career teaching Industrial Arts at Waggener and Conway Middle Schools.  He then became an administrator and advocate for vocational education.

To those who knew him best he was just "Granddad", a loving grandfather that never missed a ballgame or a chance to spend time with his favorite two people.  To his only daughter, he was a hero that she could always count on for his support and unconditional love.

Survivors include his wife Doris Oliver Bottorff; one daughter, Trina King; two grandchildren, Haley King and Nathan King; one brother, Bill Bottorff.

Funeral services are scheduled for 6:00 pm, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Lakeview Fellowship Church. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may take the form of donations to Hospice of Southern Kentucky.

Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.