By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
David Nolin devoted his career to public education. He was a teacher, an administrator, a mentor, and a Board of Education member. To many, he was all that, plus he was Coach Nolin.
Following the news of Nolin’s death on September 2, comments on the Atmore News Facebook page reflected the impact he had on lives in the Flomaton and Atmore areas. Several people commented on his ready smile, kind words, leadership, compassion, and his love for people.
When he ran for and won the District 6 board position in 2016, Nolin had spent more than 41 years in the state public education system, with more than 39 in Escambia County and two years outside the county.
Nolin was a teacher, coach and administrator in grades 3-12 in county schools. He served as an assistant principal at Escambia County Middle School and Escambia County High School (he also coached football at both schools) and was principal at A.C. Moore Elementary School when he retired in 2012. He also taught and coached football, basketball and baseball at Flomaton High School.
His daughter, JoLynn Godwin, posted the following on Facebook following her dad’s death: “My dad loved Flomaton and the Flomaton Hurricanes! He attended, played football, and was head coach at Flomaton High School and loved every minute.”
Another post described Nolin as “the epitome of all things FHS.” Nolin was a member of the Flomaton High School Class of 1966.
Shortly after learning of Nolin’s death, Board of Education President Cindy Jackson said, “It just breaks my heart. I didn’t want to believe it when I heard. He is going to be greatly missed.”
Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.
See related article on page 4A.