Paul George “Bear” Billy died Nov. 28, 2022. He was the husband of Sandra Susan MacKenzie for 60 years.

Born in Northampton, he was a son of the late Rev. J. Albert and Mary (Jonas) Billy.

He went to Northampton High School where he lettered in football, wrestling and baseball. He was a gifted athlete and earned the nickname “Bear” on the fields and mats of Northampton. He earned a degree from Muhlenberg College, where he was a four-year letterman in both football and wrestling. He earned a master’s degree at the University of Delaware.

He was in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1960 as an operations officer earning the rank of lieutenant junior grade. He played football and was named to the All-Sea Service Military first team.

He held coaching positions at Muhlenberg College, Lafayette College and the University of Delaware. In Delaware, he led the Blue Hen wrestling squad for 28 years. His tenure included 15 winning seasons, 10 conference championships and 17 NCAA Tournament qualifiers. For 23 football seasons, he was freshman head coach, chief scout and defensive line assistant, which included four national championships. He was the men’s lacrosse head coach in 1964.

He was a member of the Lutheran church throughout his life.

He was inducted into the Muhlenberg College Sports Hall of Fame in 1986; the 2006 Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame and the 2011 University of Delaware Athletic Hall of Fame.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Beth Sager and husband Samuel, Robin Billy and Kimberly Sweetman and husband Keith; a brother, Jan K. and wife Margaret; a sister-in-law, Sandy Billy; a brother-in-law, Scott MacKenzie and wife Debbie; three grandchildren, Luke Sager and wife Jess, Emily Grace Greene and husband Zach and Billy Sager and fiancee Emmy M; and a great-granddaughter, Lucille Rae Greene.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Maryanne Snyder and Carolyn Henion; and two brothers, J. Albert and Milan Billy.

Contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, c/o the funeral home, 122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711.

Arrangements were made by R.T. Foard and Jones Inc., Newark, Del.