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Paul "Bud" Billiard, 79, of Wellsburg, WV passed away January 5, 2021. Bud was born on August 1, 1941 in Wheeling, WV to the late Helen R. Spataro. Bud graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1959 and West Liberty State College in 63. While at West Liberty he was a four-year letterman in football playing on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Surviving is his wife Carol whom he married on November 22, 1962. Together they have 3 children Kimberly (Mark) Wales, Paul Billiard and T.J. (Erin) Billiard, 7 grandchildren Kyle (Courtney) Wales, Kody Wales, Cross Billiard, Bode Billiard, Giana, Angelo and Rocco Billiard and 1 great grandchild Liam.
Bud began his coaching career at Wheeling Central where he spent four years as an assistant in football, two years as a volunteer assistant in wrestling and three years as head track coach.
In 1979 Bud became the head football coach at Brooke High School where he compiled a record of 185 wins, 79 defeats and 1 tie in 23 seasons (1979-2001). Under his leadership, Bud's Bruins won 3 West Virginia Class AAA state championships in 1985, 1987 and 1990. His 1987 and 1990 teams recorded perfect seasons and were nationally ranked. The 1987 team finished 25th in nation and the 1990 team was in 23d place. Fifteen of his twenty three Bruin teams participated in the post-season playoffs and seven made it to the state championship game.
Bud also coached green and gold to seven OVAC Class AAAA Division championships. He coached in two Rudy Mumley OVAC Charity All-Star Football games and in three WV North-South Games. He was among the founding members and past president of the Ohio Valley Football Coaches Organization. He also assisted in organizing the OVFCA's Clinics and Prospect Nights.
Bud's Brooke coaching career also included eight years as an assistant in football, two years as a wrestling coach and three years as head track coach.
He was a coach, teacher, mentor and friend to everyone he met. His dedication earned him numerous awards including: Ohio Valley, OVAC and West Virginia Coach of the Year; Upper Ohio Valley Dapper Dan Man of the Year; Carl Hamill Coaching Award; West Liberty State College Athletic Hall of Fame; 2005 Ohio Valley Football Coaches Hall of Fame inductee; H.V. Corcoran Sr. Award for the Brooke football program bringing national attention to the Ohio Valley; and a 2005 recipient of the West Virginia Athletic Coaches Association's Retired Coaching Award.
After retiring from coaching and teaching in 2002, Bud remained very involved with the community. He was a member of the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce, St John Church and Brooke Hills Park Committee. The Park's disc golf course is named for Bud and his wife, Carol.
Visitation will take place January 8, 2021 from 2p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. at the Brooke High School Gymnasium (enter through the wellness center) where the words of remembrance will be shared along with a Liturgy of the Word Service by Father Arul Anthony. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be donated to the Brooke County Veterans Memorial Park Inc., mailed to Reasner Funeral Home P.O. box 346 Wellsburg, WV or Main Street Bank 1010 Commerce St. Wellsburg, WV 26070.
Due to Covid regulations all attending must also social distance and wear a mask.
Arrangements by Reasner Funeral Home, online condolences can be made at ReasnerofWellsburg.com