On Monday, November 28, 2022, our beloved Paul George “Bear” Billy went to be with Jesus. His wife, children and grandchildren will miss him dearly.

Paul was born on February 3, 1935, in Northampton, Pennsylvania, to late Reverend “J”. Albert and Mary (Jonas) Billy. He was a gifted athlete and earned the nickname “Bear” on the fields and mats of Northampton. Paul held a strong Christian faith and was a member of the Lutheran Church throughout his life.

Paul went to Northampton High School where he lettered in football (1951-1952), wrestling (1950, 51, 52, 53) and baseball (1952-53).

He received a degree from Muhlenberg College in 1957, where he was a four-year letterman in both football and wrestling. He also received his master’s degree at the University of Delaware.

Paul served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1960 as Operations Officer attaining the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. He also played football and was named to the All-Sea Service – Military first team.

After returning from the Navy and accepting a coaching position at his Alma Mater, Paul met the love of his life, Sandra Susan MacKenzie. Paul and Sandy were married in 1962, raised 3 beautiful daughters and spoiled three grandchildren. They celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary this past May and welcomed their first great-granddaughter Lucille Rae Greene.

After two years at his alma mater and a year at Lafayette College, Paul moved in 1963 to the University of Delaware. He became one of the most successful and multi-faceted coaches in Delaware athletics history. He led the Blue Hen wrestling squad for 28 years, assisted the nationally ranked football program for 23 seasons, and also served as the men’s lacrosse head coach in 1964. His wrestling tenure included 15 winning seasons where he coached 10 conference champions, and 17 NCAA Tournament qualifiers. His 23 football seasons included service as freshman head coach, chief scout, and defensive line assistant where he helped lead teams that captured four national championships.

Paul was inducted into the Muhlenberg College Sports Hall of Fame in 1986. In 2006 he was inducted into the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. In addition, in 2011 he was inducted into the University of Delaware Athletic Hall of Fame.

Paul is preceded by his parents, sisters Maryanne Snyder and Carolyn Henion, brother’s “J” Albert and Milan Billy. He is survived by his wife Sandy; his daughters Beth Sager (husband Samuel), Robin Billy, and Kimberly Sweetman (husband Keith); his brother Jan K. (wife Margaret); his sister-in-law Sandy Billy (Milan’s wife); brother-in-law Scott MacKenzie (wife Debbie) and grandchildren Luke Sager (wife Jess), Emily Grace Greene (husband Zach), and Billy Sager (fiancé Emmy M) and great-granddaughter Lucy Rae.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10 Johnson Road, Newark DE 19713 where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Paul G. Billy to “Our Redeemer Lutheran Church” and send in care of the funeral home. To send online condolences please visit www.rtfoard.com.