Robert Edward “Bob” O’Connor, of Calhoun, died Nov. 1. Mr. O’Connor was a coach and educator who taught history in the city schools and became principal of Calhoun Junior High and Calhoun High schools. An exacting teacher, he was devoted to and grateful for all the young people he taught, many of whom have said he had a lasting influence on their lives.

A native of Chicago, Ill., he was born Nov. 5, 1932, the son of Irene McGrath O’Connor and Edward O’Connor. He was educated at Father Ryan School and Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, both in Nashville, and West Georgia College, from which he earned a master’s degree. He came in 1958 to Calhoun as a history teacher and coach.

An active member of and usher at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Calhoun, he was also a board member of the Gordon County Historical Society. For many years he was chairman of the Gordon County Red Cross. He had been a Rotarian in Calhoun and Monroe, Ga., and a board member of the Walton County Library. Mr. O’Connor was a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War, when he served in Korea and Germany.

Robert Edward O’Connor was married for 47 years to Peggy Wood O’Connor, who survives him. He is also survived by a daughter, Shelley O’Connor Medders, and her husband, Bret, of Calhoun; a son, Michael K. O’Connor, and his partner, Andres Loaiza, of Atlanta; two grandchildren, Austin Bret Medders and Tess Cooley Medders, of Calhoun; a sister, Geri Bremby, and her husband, Ron, of Punta Gorda, Florida; a sister-in-law, Julia Wood, of Sandersville, Ga.; and many friends, especially Will Campbell. He had another sister, the late Patricia Breen.

A memorial service for Mr. O’Connor was held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Thomas Funeral Home. In addition to flowers, the family requests a donation to the Calhoun VAC food bank or the charity of one’s choice.