Hugh "Nookie" Lincoln Stotts, Jr.

HUGH "NOOKIE" STOTTS, JR.

With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Hugh “Nookie” Lincoln Stotts Jr., who left this world peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the age of 85.

A man with great strength of character and boundless love, he built a life defined by hard work, devotion, and the joy he found in his family and the game he loved.

Born on July 21, 1940, in the Camp Nelson area of Jessamine County, Nookie learned early on, the values of perseverance, working hard and honesty . He carried those values throughout his life—whether at work, on the field, or in the ways he cared so selflessly for those he loved. Nookie retired from Malone and Hyde, Inc. in Nicholasville where he worked as a truck driver for many years and made life-long friends. His first job, which he loved, was working at Canada Dry Distillery near his home on Poortown Rd. His tireless work ethic was matched only by his devotion to his family, who were always his greatest pride and joy.

Baseball and softball were more than just games to him; they were lifelong passions. He played with the same heart and grit he brought to every part of his life, and many of his happiest days were spent on the diamond, glove in hand, surrounded by teammates who became lifelong friends. On and off the field, he was known for his good humor, encouragement, and unwavering sportsmanship. Folks always knew if Nookie was fond of them when they were on the receiving end of a good natured ribbing.

To his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Nookie was a safe place to land. His legacy is not only in the work he accomplished, but in the love he instilled—the lessons he taught about integrity, kindness, and always giving your best. If possible, he enjoyed being on the opposite side of the fence even more than playing himself, as he watched his family on the ballfield.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Nyoka Moberly Stotts, son Jeff (Audra) Stotts, daughter Stephanie (BJ) Carson and grandchildren Cody (Lindsay) Stotts, Caytlyn (Brett) McCuddy, Kaili, Brett, and Max Carson, great-grandchildren, Griffey Stotts and Ava “Sweet Pea” McCuddy, who will carry his spirit forward in the way they live, love, and honor life. He’s also survived by sisters, Ethel Jane Slugantz, Edna Dale Stotts, and Brenda Hager. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Laura Stotts, twin infant sons, and a brother, Tim Stotts.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort knowing that he’s with Our Lord and Savior and that his life was meaningful and filled with joy. We will miss him more than words can express, but he left us with wonderful memories to cherish.

A memorial service for Nookie’s life will be held on Thursday, September 4, at 12:00 pm, at Betts and West Funeral Home; graveside services will follow at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, from 4:00-9:00 at the funeral home. Services will be conducted by Brother Rob Corley and Clinton Hurt. Pallbearers will be Cody Stotts, Brett Carson, Brett McCuddy, Wayne Knight, Steven Slugantz, and Dexter Knight. Honorary pallbearers will be Dallas Knight, Leo White, Charles White, and Mark Underwood.