Jan 9, 2021
Following a memorial service for longtime Brooke football coach Paul “Bud” Billiard held inside the Brooke High School gymnasium, his former players followed their beloved coach to the field one final time, walking behind the hearse while the songs “Glory Days” and “Take It To the Limit” played. A crowd spread throughout the bleachers and tributes, such as Brooke flags being lowered and an empty chair placed on the Bruins’ “B” at midfield on the field named after the three-time state champion coach, were around the stadium. The players gathered together near the hearse while the school alma mater played over the speakers, with some also paying respects at the chair. A school official estimated 700 people made their way through the line to pay respects during the five hour viewing inside the gym prior to the service, with at least 200 staying for or participating in the “final walkthrough.” Billiard died Tuesday at the age of 79. (Photo by Andrew Gri
Jan 7, 2021
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.
Jan 7, 2021
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.
Billiard
WELLSBURG Paul “Bud” Billiard will be remembered by many Ohio Valley residents for leading the Brooke High School football team to three state championships, seven OVAC championships and 185 wins among 265 played over a 23 year period.
But in his retirement, he applied his energy and enthusiasm to improving Brooke Hills Park, supporting the development of the Brooke County Veterans Memorial Park and other projects and services undertaken by the various community boards for which he volunteered.
As one of many remembering Billiard, who died Tuesday at the age of 79, Brooke County Commissioner A.J. Thomas noted the long-time coach never lost his love for football, often using gridiron terms in everyday conversation, while applying “the same passion to everything he did in the community.”