If you have been a part of the Timothy Christian School community at any point in the last few decades, then Mr. William Bills is a name you know well. Mr. Bills was hired by Mr. Gottshall in 1975 to start the athletic program at TCS. He was our Athletic Director for 30 years and worked at Timothy for 44 years along with his wife Karen until their retirement in 2020. They raised their son Matt with Tiger pride as he attended TCS from K-12.
Mr. Bills built the foundation for the TCS high school athletic program and turned it into the thriving athletic department we have today by coaching teams, organizing games, driving buses, changing lightbulbs, cleaning floors, and so much more. Mr. Bills’ impressive career includes over 1,000 wins in Soccer (480), Basketball (352), Baseball (246), and Softball (16). Many others recognized the impact he had on athletics, and he was inducted into the NJSIAA / NJSCA Hall of Fame in 2014.
More important than the number of his wins and accomplishments are the countless stories of Mr. Bills’, love, laughter and mentorship of the students he interacted with. Whether it was on the court, the field, in the car or bus, his impact goes far beyond the TCS campus and into the kingdom as he always pointed his students back to Christ.
Mr. Bills received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in August 2025. While going through treatments, he took every opportunity he had to evangelize to the doctors and nurses who entered his room. Mr. Bills passed away quietly in his sleep on October 15th. Our entire community deeply grieves his loss. We send love and prayers to his wife Karen, his son Matt, daughter in-law Erin, and 4 grandchildren Riley, Madison, Tyler, and Lydia. Mr. Bills truly embodied 2 Timothy 4:7, as he wholeheartedly “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith” and we know that there was a crown of righteousness in heaven waiting for him.
Click here to view Mr. Bills’ obituary.
To honor his memory, here are over 50 stories, spanning 44 years, of great memories, funny stories, heartwarming moments, and the incredible legacy he has left:
One of my greatest memories of Coach Bills was being able to celebrate with him at the dinner recognizing his 1,000 career wins in soccer, basketball and baseball. When he came to Timothy in 1975, we had no athletic program. Coach Bills built everything from the ground up and created a sports legacy that will last forever. I was very fortunate to play for him on the very first soccer team and continued to do so until my graduation in 1979. I will always remember and greatly respect his unselfishness and the great sacrifices both he and Mrs. Bills made for the benefit of TCS and its students.
Andy Nagy, class of 1979
Bill attended the same church that I did when I was younger. He was in the older group (Jr. High) when I was still in Elementary school. One memory that stands out…was my dad talking about some of his Sunday School students and he would mention from time to time that “Billy Bills was a gentleman.” I remember him being nice to everyone…even to us younger ones! When I joined the staff in 1980 it was fun to see him and get to know Karen! TCS was so blessed to have both of them for so many years! I am so thankful that my own children have been able to compete under their coaching. One of my favorite TCS memories? Bill’s laugh! It was quite contagious! So many memories are flooding our hearts and minds at this time…. So very thankful for him!
Ruthy (Sutter) Brookman (current staff and alumni parent class of 2007, 2011, & 2015)
So many great memories it is hard to choose. To me and many others he wasn’t just our coach, he was much more than that. Coach, mentor, friend. Mr. Bills was a man that loved the Lord and challenged me not to be just a good athlete but how to live my life for the Lord.Next to my father Mr. Bills was the other man in my life that helped me grow spiritually. Not just in learning about Jesus but applying it in my everyday life. What I remember the most about him is his dedication and commitment to the Lord, his family, this school and all of us that had the privilege of calling him Coach! We will miss him but let us follow his example to serve the Lord and others with the same passion. Mrs. Bills, I want to thank you for sharing him with all of us for so many years. Love you and appreciate you both!
Tony Holloman, class of 1980
I want to express my deepest respect and appreciation for Mr. Bills as my teacher, coach, fellow believer, and friend. He strove for excellence in everything and taught me the importance of diligence. I remember his famous saying, “What you do in practice, you’ll do in the game”. He wanted his team to understand the importance of focus and training. Applying this exercise of preparation has served me well in various aspects of my life. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
I’m blessed that my children and grandchildren had the opportunity to learn and develop under the leadership of Mr. & Mrs. Bills. Their faithfulness to TCS is to be admired. Bill and Karen sacrificed much over the years to pour into the lives of so many young people, and their influence lives on.
John Janho III, class of 1980
Mr. Bills always had a smile or encouraging word to say. If I looked upset or gloomy he always put a smile on my face. I have such fond memories of him and especially Mrs. Bills. Praying for his family. I am looking forward to seeing him again someday.
MaryLynn (Johnson) Davidson, class of 1981
While at TCS I played all the sports. I loved playing for Coach Bills. He said he wished he had more like me and Chaunch [Greg Chauncy] not that we were great but that we played with heart.
Don Carson, class of 1981
We were coming home from a baseball and softball game, and we had Mr. Bills convinced that “Hotdog” (the nickname for our point guard) was left behind, but we had hidden him up on racks in the bus!
Tammy (Whitcomb) Hoops, 8th grade class of 1978
My siblings and I have so many countless memories of Mr. Bills. I am the oldest of six and started TCS in 1978 in 7th grade.
Our father traveled a lot while we were growing up with work. I remember a few times, Mr. Bills pulling me aside while in high school letting me know that my mother had called him to let him know I was not listening at home and asked him to speak with me. He of course did. He had a way of making you want to do the right thing.
He was this way with all of us. He “taught” us all to drive-so he thought. Until we started Drivers Ed and could not believe we already knew how. The laughs we had behind the wheel as we drove were unforgettable.
I can remember when my father was very sick. I had asked him about being a parent (my kids were pretty young). He said he had six really good kids and I asked him what the secret was. My Dad then said he was very thankful for Mr. Bills -at this time he hadn’t seen him in decades. But knew what an important part of our family he had always been. His Godly wisdom really made an impact on all of us.
We had a 20-year memorial for my dad a few years back. Mr. Bills was gracious enough to come. That meant so much to us. We had a chance to share so many memories with him. Little did we all know this would be the last time most of us would see him.
He and Mrs. Bills made TCS feel like a family. When Matthew was born, most of the high school wore pins that said, “we love Matt”. He will be missed by so many.
I know without a doubt, the minute he left this Earth, our Heavenly Father welcomed him with open arms and said, “Well done my good and faithful servant”.
Jill (Coyle) Weeks, class of 1984
I cannot name one memory, maybe hundreds. Aside from my father, Mr. Bills had the most influence on my life. He was an amazing man who taught me sportsmanship, teamwork and what it means to lead. His relationship with God was real and he showed all of us what a man of God looks like.
I guess my favorite memory happened at a basketball tourney. One of the players got injured and I drove with Mr. Bills from PA back to Jersey to bring the player home. It was late. We were pulled over for a headlight issue. Mr. Bills was driving with bare feet. The officer was suspicious and the traffic stop took a very long time.
Why was a man and a teenager driving this late and the driver had no shoes on?? Mr. Bills was tired! He didn’t lose his cool and we had a good laugh about it.
A few years ago he came to see my family as we celebrated my dad, who had passed away 20 years prior.
He will be missed, he was so loved and was the Invisible Thread of TCS for decades!!
David Coyle, class of 1985
Mr. Bills was a legend. He had such an impact on my life. A true man of God and did so much for so many people, can’t express that anymore. In my opinion, I think the gymnasium should be named The William Bill’s fieldhouse. Just for all the things he did for Athletics at the school.
John Rooney, class of 1985
So many, but I guess our senior year championship soccer victory in the Fall of 1986 against Calgary Baptist, 5-3. Mr. Bills was so intense during the game, but never veered away from his commitment to excellence and his commitment to his Christian faith. Aside from all the sports talk, which did not necessarily define him, Mr. Bills was simply a great role model, sound teacher, and gentleman.
Christian Urbano, class of 1987
I am grateful to God for Mr. Bills. He was a “father figure” to me and my brother. Coming from a divorced home where our father had left, I am so grateful to God for the role Mr. Bills played in my life. He was fun, an excellent coach, and a godly, servant leader. My favorite memory is of him driving the bus, cleaning the bus, lining the field, going to Mexico, and Czech Republic with him. I have a smile on my face as I think of Mr. Bills. He was fun to be around!
And I look forward to seeing him again!
Stephen Anthony, class of 1990
Mr. Bills was truly a follower of Christ. He always had a servant’s heart which was evident in his teaching, coaching, marriage, and as a father. I was blessed to have known Coach Bills for over 45 years and have so many fond memories. Initially he was my teacher, coach, mentor, and friend but he quickly became much more. He took me on missions trips to Mexico and the Czech Republic and we worked together at Victory Sports Camps for many years. He always made an effort to stay connected and even when we were apart, I could sense how proud he was of me. Although I’d like to think I was the most special person to him, he had a way of making everyone feel so special and valued. I am very thankful for the time we spent together, and the mark and many fond memories he left on my life. He was unquestionably a great man of God and his legacy will live on forever.
Neil Charles, class of 1990
I’ve known Mr. Bills for many many years. Not only was I a K-12 student at Timothy but I knew him from my preschool days and then later as a colleague, assistant coach and friend.
Mr. Bills taught me so many things… including to respect your elders. So my story goes all the way back to first grade at Timothy. I was in line to get picked up for the day when Mr. Bills came around the corner walking towards the main office. Me, being the silly boy I was said, “Hey Billy Boy!” Immediately, I saw fire in his eyes. He pulled me inside, into the nurses office and proceeded to scold me saying that just because I knew him outside of school, I should not be calling him by his first name, etc. It went on for what felt like an eternity but I’m sure was probably no more than a minute. The greatest part of this story is that I never knew his first name was Bill…I was just being silly because his last name was Bills. I promise you, in all the years I knew him since… he was always Mr. Bills! I’m so thankful for every memory… even the ones that scared me 🙂
Lenny Meyers, class of 1990
I started at Timothy in first grade, and the Bills were just such a big part of the school. Mr. Bills was my gym teacher for many of those years, and I played baseball for him. He was always kind and fair to me and the way he coached I always wanted to give my best to the team. Probably after HS and into adulthood I appreciated him more. I would see him from time to time at different events and he always had time to chat for little bit, share old stories and wanted to know how I was doing and what I was up to in my life. Reading so many of the Facebook posts on his passing I was just amazed how many former students from over 40 years had similar experiences and he made so many people feel like they mattered. He went from a young man himself when he first started teaching to an older and wiser sage who impacted generations of young people and imparted wisdom and Christ’s love into their lives. You will be greatly missed but the example and lessons you taught will be passed down through those who you have had the privilege to call you teacher, coach and friend.
Love to the Bills family.
Tom Detamore, class of 1991
Mr. Bills was known for his passion. Sometimes he took it out on a clipboard. Often he shouted it from the sideline. Always he poured it into his players. And we loved him for it.
But he also knew his team, and who needed a gentler touch. I recall one Middle School soccer practice where he blew his whistle and summoned us to him. I took one last shot at the goal, and it went awry and struck him in the head.
I cowered in fear, awaiting an outburst. And I could see it coming as his face turned red—until he surveyed the field and who kicked the ball. I’m sure I mumbled an apology. But before any contrition was offered he had already calmed down. He waved it off, and we continued with practice.
Never once did Mr. Bills yell at me. I’d like to think my play never warranted it. But I did watch him yell at others with greater skill, who made fewer mistakes. I suspect he knew how to get the best out of everyone—and coached accordingly.
And now he shouts hallelujahs to the one endlessly patient with all of us, his passion fulfilled and completed in Christ. Mr. Bills modeled the same.
Jayson Casper, class of 1992
Mr. Bills taught 5 of the 6 Coyle kids to drive – he would chuckle because we all already knew how to drive before our “lesson”. Lol
When Mr. Bills taught me to drive, I was looking at a cute boy in the car next to me and he said “just remember your car will always go toward where your eyes are looking. “ 😂
Lorraine Coyle, class of 1994
Mr. Bills will always be a hero, larger than life figure who could juke us kids out of our shoes on the field. I remember the times he drove us to games in the yellow bus and once we were all rubbernecking out the windows on the left side to gawk at an accident and he shouted “SiDDown!” I’d never seen so many unruly teenagers sit down so fast in my life. My first time behind the steering wheel was with Mr. Bills. He always took the time out to listen when we had concerns about anything and yet was never afraid to say the hard things.
Mr. Bills along with Mr. McKay were the two men at TCS who most shaped my upbringing. I owe so much to them. My condolences to Mr. Bills’ family, and all of us at TCS who miss him.
Kevin Hsu, class of 1994
My coach and mentor, Mr. Bills, has left an impact on me so great that it will remain for my lifetime. He coached me from when I was in 7th grade until I graduated from college. 10 years as my coach. Then, I had the privilege of coaching by his side for almost 20 more years. For 30+ years, I was able to learn from his example, be mentored by one of the best, and watch, first hand, the true meaning of what it looks like to leave a legacy. Over those years, he was by my side through some of my toughest moments as well as some of my happiest, and for that I will forever be grateful.
As a player and a coach, Mr. Bills always taught me, and his players, to leave places better than when we got there, and that it isn’t always about how you start, but how you finish, and to finish well.
Mr. Bills, you have left this world so much better than when you got here. Your legacy will live through your family, your grandchildren, and the many students, players, and people you have touched over the years. And, you have finished well.
Thank you for the impact you have left on my life, and I promise to carry on your legacy through the lessons you taught me and the example you set.
I love you and will miss you dearly, but I know I will see you again someday.
Chuck Poole, class of 1995
There are so many stories I could tell about Mr. Bills.
Mrs. Bills was my coach, but Mr. Bills was always right there beside her, coaching just as passionately. You always knew exactly where you stood with him. If you were playing well, he made sure to encourage you. But if you were having an off game—well, he didn’t sugarcoat it.
One particular memory stands out. We were at a tournament at Rutgers Prep, and I was having a really off day. I’ll never forget him saying, “If I gave you a brick and told you to throw it in the ocean, you’d miss.” Ouch. And on top of my bad performance, my attitude was just as bad—which, for me, usually came as a package deal. He pulled me from the game and told me I might as well be a cheerleader for the day. So, of course, in full brat mode, I marched right over and sat with the cheerleaders. He had absolutely no idea what to do with me.
Nothing frustrated Mr. Bills more than someone not living up to their full potential—well, that, and people walking on his gym floor with the wrong shoes.
I can’t count how many times I heard him speak on Matthew 25, reminding us to use our gifts—our talents—for God’s glory. That message was at the core of everything he did.
After high school, I had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Bills in the athletic department at Timothy. He was the perfect blend of grumpy and hilarious—always ready with a joke, always making people laugh.
Mr. Bills, the legacy you leave behind is truly unmatched. You built more than an athletic department—you built something lasting, something that changed lives. We may never fully understand the reach of your impact.
Well done.
Faith Torres, class of 1997
I’m so very sorry to hear the news of Mr. Bills’ passing. I graduated from TCS in ’98. I had an amazing experience being at Timothy from K-12. Mr. (And Mrs.) Bills were very much the heart and soul of the school. When I was a senior, Mr. Bills taught me how to drive. We got to spend 6 hours in the car together, while he sat next to me with his bag of Wintergreen Lifesaver Mints on the seat between us – that he would constantly crunch on while he instructed but not without offering his little quips and sarcasm that always made me laugh (when I got the joke). I have a deep respect for Mr. Bills and believe that his commitment to excellence made me and everyone who knew him want to be better.
Thank you for allowing me to share my tiny little glimpse into a life well lived.
Sending much love and prayers to his precious family,
Tamara (Poplawski) Bailey, class of 1998
After hearing of Mr. Bills passing, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking back to my high school years spent with him and it’s hard, if not impossible, to come up with one memory. This man was a coach, mentor, teacher and friend. On many bus rides to games, I would sit up front with him while he drove, preferring to talk with him instead of sitting in the back with friends my own age. I would make sure I had 8th period study hall on my schedule so I could go to the gym and hang out in his office. My senior year, he hired myself and two other student-athletes to work as janitors for the gym, so that was even more time with him. After graduating, I had been back on campus a few times and he always made time, sometimes for over an hour, just to talk and catch up. But if I had to come up with just the one memory, it was the last time I played for him. We were playing in the ACSI basketball championship game my senior year. We came in as the #1 seed, but there was a team there, Redemption Christian, out of New York, that looked more like a college team than a high school team. Going into the game, I think we all knew it was going to be an uphill battle and we would need close to a miracle to get a win. Well, the miracle did not come and we got beat pretty good. I recall the end of game buzzer sounding, and all at once it hit me; this was the last time I was going to play basketball competitively. The last time I would play for Timothy. The last time I would play for Mr. Bills. I began to cry uncontrollably. And there was Mr. Bills, with a hug while I literally cried on his shoulder. He held me up until I was able to regain my composure, understanding what the weight of the moment was for me. I didn’t think about it then, but in retrospect, how many other young men must he have done this for over his 40 plus years at Timothy? Countless. Mr. Bills and I walked arm in arm across the court to where the team’s families were waiting for us and that was it. It was over and it hurt, but I was okay. Looking back, I can see how just the day encapsulated so much of who Mr. Bills was to me. A coach who led us to a championship game and made us believe we could win even with the odds stacked against us. A leader who worked as hard on the sidelines as his teams did on the court. A friend who could see the hurt in his player’s final loss and knew how to lift him up. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent under his leadership and will cherish the memories I have of him.
Keith Christopher, class of 1998
Mr. Bills was my gym and health teacher, Freshman year soccer coach, and Varsity basketball coach from sophomore year to senior year.
In 1998 my older brother Khigh Stephens died in a fatal car crash the day before he was to go back and attend Clark Atlanta University for his second semester of his freshman year. Days after when I attended school, Mr. Bills took me in his office and told me he loved me and gave me a hug. He was a person that was a respectable, loving, and honorable man.
RIP Coach Bills
Korie Stephens, class of 1999
Mr. Bills was such an integral part of my high school experience. He was my home room teacher all four years, was a staple in my development as a basketball player and solidified my “Agel-Bagel” nickname. Making jokes to his students was a love language for sure. TCS without the Bills name just wouldn’t make sense. His memory will live on in all of the students he impacted throughout his many years at Timothy. He will truly be missed! Lots of love to Mrs. Bills, Matty and the Family.
Nicole Agel, class of 2000
Mr. Bills was my gym teacher and basketball coach while I was in high school at TCS. He basically taught me how to play basketball, having never been on an organized team before. He only ever showed me kindness and encouragement. But most of all he loved to tease me about my Staten Island accent. I graduated TCS in 2000 and was fortunate to be able to see him and Mrs. Bills again in 2020 and reminisce. I included that picture here. He resumed teasing me, especially about my New York accent (which I still refuse to believe I have), as if 20 years hadn’t gone by. I was able to thank him and tell him what he meant to me and my family. He worked alongside my father at TCS and taught both my older siblings as well. My four years at TCS were extremely formative and influential in shaping me into the person I am today, and I will be forever indebted to the Bills family for being there for me.
Lucia (Luciano) Edwards, class of 2000
I came to TCS during a really rough patch in my life for 9-12th grade. Soccer was my outlet. Mr. Bills always encouraged me during practices and allowed me to train with his goalies. He had no idea how much of an impact that had on me during that difficult time. Many times I wanted to give up and quit but his enthusiasm and determination to make us the best that we could be has stayed with me all of these years later. Thank you Mr. Bills for always being willing to listen and encourage your students.
Stephanie (Porter) Cutlip, class of 2001
My heart is heavy seeing this. Mr. and Mrs. Bills made me feel at home when I moved to New Jersey from Africa in 8th grade and started attending Timothy Christian School. Mr. Bills had a profound impact on many young lives. He will be deeply missed. I’m praying for his family. Thank you for all you did for us. I know the Lord is welcoming him home, saying “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Erin Haggerty, class of 2002
Coach Bills was so much more than just my baseball coach. He was a mentor, a motivator, and a steady example of integrity and faith. He believed in doing things the right way, even when no one was watching, and taught us that character off the field mattered just as much as performance on it. I played baseball at Timothy throughout high school (2000–2002) and worked my junior and senior year after school cleaning the gym.
During those years, Coach Bills was a constant source of encouragement. Always teaching, always leading by example, and always living a faith-driven, Godly life. Being able to spend some time with him at our 20th year reunion a few years ago was something special. He was still the same person, still encouraging, still full of life, still super serious at times, and still full of love for us – his students.
For me, Coach Bills was one of those rare people who could challenge you and support you at the same time. He expected your best, but always made sure you knew he was in your corner, even when the younger version of myself was still figuring it all out. He didn’t just talk about walking with Christ; he lived it every single day. I’ll always be grateful for his lessons on dedication, teamwork, discipline, perseverance and most importantly, faithfulness.
He has left a lasting impact far beyond any sport or any field, far beyond simply serving as a coach or a teacher. His impact has shaped the hearts and lives of countless individual’s, leaving a legacy that will carry on for generations to come.
Thank you, Coach Bills, for your faith, your leadership, and your example.
You ran the race well and have earned your home in Heaven.
With love,
Jon Auterson, class of 2002
Mr. Bills was a great man and I really appreciated his godly attitude he had towards students at TCS and the high standards he held them to. I invited him to the 20 year reunion of the class of 2003 but he was unable to make it but he replied to my invite email with this: “…Please say hello for me to everyone. You had a great class and I would have enjoyed being with your class. Enjoy your time together.” Last year, he was at the 75th anniversary celebration of TCS and I was glad to briefly catch up with him. He will be greatly missed and he leaves a legacy for others to follow.
Christopher Chipps, class of 2003
There are so many! My favorite HS memories always have him and Mrs. Bills at the center. I remember when the new gym floor was put in and he didn’t want us (cheerleaders) to run laps on it yet, but Mrs. Bills said to keep going 😂. There were even some nights that my cousin and I stayed at their home because of late games and a long drive home. They made us feel like family and I always felt safe and cared for around Mr. & Mrs. Bills. I wish I had told him how impactful he was to me.
Kristin (Sparnroft) Accorsi, class of 2004
Mr. Bills was a dedicated, hard-working, consistent man of God. I just remember him always being a part of Timothy Christian School with his dedicated and hard-working wife.
Hayley Richards (former staff circa 2004 and alumni parent class of 2010 & 2013)
In my personal and humble opinion, Mr. Bills made TCS what it was. He was so incredible at what he did because he was clearly called by God to do it. He didn’t just teach the kids, he fathered them and gave them a sense of belonging that went well beyond a high school or an athletic program. When I found out that he passed away, I realized that a piece of me passed away with him. I am so grateful that I had the privilege of learning from Mr. Bills when he was at the height of his Godly calling, and I know that I am not the only alumni that feels this way. That being said, I have so many stories that I could share. Some will make you cry and some will make you laugh, but since we have probably done enough crying over Mr. Bills going home to be with Jesus, here is one to make you laugh:
It is my junior year of high school and I am on the baseball team. It is a beautiful Friday afternoon (I think) in Piscataway and we are in the middle of a nail-biter with the team we hated the most at the time, Rutgers Prep. I am up at bat with 1 out and a runner on first base. The runner on first is my buddy Will, who was a notoriously fast runner and was pinch running, primarily to steal second and get into scoring position. Mr. Bills was coaching third base (as he always did) and was giving Will the “steal” sign. For those reading this that don’t understand baseball, we communicate on the field using hand signs to avoid the other team knowing what we are planning to do. For whatever reason, Will misses the first sign. I knew that Mr. Bills gave Will the steal sign because I always looked over at Mr. Bills after every pitch to ensure that I didn’t miss the sign when I was at the plate (you didn’t want to miss Mr. Bills giving you the sign because he would chew you out for it on the bench). After the next pitch, we come to find out that Will misses the sign, again. The game continues and I am running a 2-2 count with Will still on first base, missing the signs. At this point, I am trying to get Will’s attention, to get him to look at Mr. Bills and steal second base. He misses the sign again. Suddenly, Mr. Bills takes his hat off and throws it on the ground in frustration and screams across the diamond, “Will!!!! Steal the base!!!! Steal the base Will!!! Go ahead, steal the base!!! The entire field, all the players and coaches, as well as the parents on the benches, erupt in laughter. I remember laughing so hard that I could barely hold the bat in my hands. Will started laughing so uncontrollably, that when he tried to steal second he fell down on the ground between first and second, being thrown out by the pitchers pick-off move, with ease. Even the umpires were laughing, and at this point, despite how competitive he was, Mr. Bills was laughing. The next pitch to me was a fastball right down the middle, that under normal circumstances I would have launched onto the girls’ softball field, but because I was still laughing uncontrollably, I could barely swing the bat, and struck out looking. When I got back to the bench to get ready to take the field, Mr. Bills looked at me and said, “It wasn’t that funny, Testa.”, with a smirk and a wink.
Love you Mr. Bills. Thank you for making a hurting teenager’s life a little better when he thought it would only get worse. I will miss you, but will see you again.
Michael Testa, class of 2007
Some of my best memories at Timothy involve Mr. Bills. He was an incredible man. I will never forget his smile and his infectious laugh carrying through the halls, gym or across the baseball field (though sometimes he was less amused with us out there… 😆). I also have a vivid memory of my first gym class with him where he not only played football with us, but was the running back…. AND no one could catch him!! I was like who IS this guy?! I am forever grateful for the lessons I learned from him and the example he was for us all, from the way he taught class/gym, to his competitive spirit on the field, to his and Mrs. Bills’ example of a Christ-centered marriage of two people so clearly in love. All things that were profoundly impactful on so many young students and athletes. Thank you Mr. Bills; you helped make me a better athlete, man, husband, and follower of Jesus.
Greg Schober, class of 2007
Mr. Bills carried decades of experience wherever he went and in whatever he did. I have fond memories of physical education, health, and drivers ed with him. He was interactive with students, humorous, and had so many ways of connecting with not just my class but so many different classes. I really appreciate the gift of being a student while he was still working at the TCS gymnasium and coaching sports teams. His presence with us will be missed, but yet I am consoled to claim the promise of “absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Heaven gained an expert coach!
Alan Wood, class of 2009
I will always remember how immaculate Mr. Bills kept the gym floor (even after the mess that was riot night), and how precise he was at painting those lines on the soccer field. He modeled giving your 1000% everyday with or without acknowledgement from others. Mr. Bills was selfless (amongst many other inspiring characteristics) and such an amazing example to us all. He will be greatly missed. All my love to Mrs. Bills and the rest of the family.
Elizabeth (Monaghan) Passarotti, class of 2010
When I was attending Cornerstone Christian in middle school, we played TCS in basketball. Mr. Bills was the TCS middle school girls’ basketball coach at the time. I remember when we played them a second time, Mr. Bills held up his hand and basically motioned how his defense dominated me. He didn’t let me forget that game lol naturally, my competitive nature had led me to request a game with him in badminton, gym class. That was a big mistake as I was publicly outplayed and beat by the man…while these memories are funny to look back on, the most important traits of Mr. Bills that I recall are his faithfulness to the Lord and to mentoring his students. I have no doubt the Lord told him “well done, good and faithful servant.”
Michelle (Tkachuk) Niles, class of 2010
Mr. Bills was more than just a coach — he was a God-fearing man whose loyalty, dedication, and love for his family and work set the standard for everyone around him. Every single day, he gave his all. His competitive spirit made him a force to be reckoned with, and his passion pushed me to become a better man — both then and now.
At the time, I didn’t realize how blessed I was to have him as my coach, my teacher, and my friend. His influence continues to shape who I am today.
TJ Janho, class of 2010
Mr. Bills was always one of my favorite teachers and coach at Timothy.
Part of this was due to the familiarity of him coaching not only myself, but my brother,
my father, uncles, aunt and numerous cousins throughout the generations.
The other part is due to the genuine love and concern he had for the students he worked with. I always appreciate the fact that I felt safe when he was around.
Mr. Bills was a competitive, passionate coach who had a way with words. When I was in middle school, I lovingly recall him snapping a few clip boards in half (on my account) and yelling, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while!”
I can still hear him saying in Drivers Ed that, “You drive where you look, so keep your eyes in the middle of the road or you’ll drift where your eyes take you.” This will be handy advice for me to share with my own children in a few years.
He was a dedicated and faithful teacher. He was the first to arrive and the last to leave. He kept an immaculate gym, especially with the floors.
He was a true man of character and of integrity. The impact he made will live on, not only in my own life and the time I spent with him, but also through the countless youth he impacted throughout the generations.
You were dearly loved Mr. Bills.
Thank you for everything.
You will be deeply missed.
Nicole (Janho) Acevedo, class of 2011
My deepest condolences to the family on the departure of beloved Mr. Bills. Praying that the Lord provides His peace to the family during this time.
Mr. Bills was my very first basketball coach. I was in 7th grade and new to TCS, playing on the girls’ basketball team. I was fortunate to have him as my coach. I still remember my first game vividly. I was nervous and completely messed up a play. Coach Bills called a timeout right after it happened and pulled me to the side. I felt defeated and started to cry. But instead of telling me everything I did wrong, he offered every encouraging word to lift my head and finish strong, even adding a little laugh to cheer me up. As a young girl who lacked confidence in basketball, his belief in me meant everything. Mr. Bills showed God’s love always. He always made me laugh. I’m 32 now, and still remember this time whenever I play basketball.
Years later, I ran into Mr. Bills after graduating, and the first thing he did was jokingly mimic the way I cried that day (haha). It instantly brought us both back — a funny, heartfelt memory that had stuck with us both.
Marianna (Labib) Botros, class of 2011
“Even a blind squirrel finds a nut”
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Coach Bills always had jokes and one-liners of life advice that transcended beyond high school. Mr. Bills was a cornerstone for TCS. Whether he was operating as coach or teacher he was dedicated and gave all of his energy and patience every day.
There could never be another – thank you for all your years of service.
Aliyah Paris, class of 2012
Coach Bills was a role model to me in so many ways, and he remains someone I look to as an example of how to be a leader and a man who follows Jesus. He led by example—whether it was excelling at every sport we played in gym class or showing endless patience while teaching a bunch of rowdy kids how to play baseball the right way.
He wasn’t just our head coach; he was also our bus driver and our trainer, the one who taped us up when we were hurt.
One of my favorite memories of Coach Bills shows his creativity, wit, and humor as a baseball coach. During my senior year—my final game—we were tied going into the last inning, and I was on third base with two outs. Coach gave me and the hitter the signal for a “sacrifice squeeze bunt.” It didn’t make much sense at first, since with two outs, a bunt would usually mean an easy out at first base and the run wouldn’t count. The batter missed the bunt, and I was caught between third and home. But then the catcher panicked, threw to third too early, and I was able to slide into home for the go-ahead run. Looking back, I’m sure Coach called that play because he somehow knew it would work. That was his style—always thinking creatively and putting us in the best position to succeed.
Another funny memory from my senior year came during a game against Perth Amboy Tech. With the bases loaded, I took a swing at a high pitch—shoulder height. As Coach Bills always said, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut,” and somehow, I connected. The ball floated over the fence for a grand slam. As I rounded third, my teammates poured out of the dugout to celebrate at home plate. Coach Bills, standing where he always did at third base, gave me a high five and said with a smirk, “You know you shouldn’t have swung at that, right?”
That moment always reminds me how Coach Bills was constantly teaching us to play the game the right way—fundamentally sound, but still full of joy.
Thank you, Coach Bills, for giving me the chance to play on your team, and for being a role model I will always remember.
Matthew Lau, class of 2013
Too many memories to have a favorite, but being a Senior during his legendary 1000th career win was a big one. Picture attached of us with him hugging him after it.
Then coming back to coach with David Figueroa during his last season coaching.
Matt DiLeo, class of 2014
Mr. Bills was a huge part of my time at TCS from playing under him in the soccer program, gym class with him or just interacting with him on campus throughout the day. The life lessons, skills, and example that he set for myself and all those has left a lasting legacy and memory that will never be forgotten. I still remember the grueling badminton matches with him in gym class, the summer trips to Messiah Soccer camp, and the grueling practices and games where you would see his skill and class played out on the field as a coach. My junior and senior year he personally taped my ankles before every soccer game and we had conversations about life and school and anything you can imagine and those are memories that will be with me forever. Mr. Bills was simply the best I really don’t have words to explain and the rush of emotion I am getting trying to remember all that I can is causing me to ramble. I can tell you one thing for sure when he entered the gates of heaven, he was told well done my good and faithful servant. Rest easy Mr. Bills heaven is lucky to have a coach like you.
David Lopes, class of 2016
God Bless Mr. and Mrs. Bills.
For the many years in pre and post child care they took such wonderful care of my daughter Faith – especially Mr. Bills so early in the morning so that I may get to work on time.
As my daughter progressed through high school the Bills were a Godly steady presence in her life in the midst of many changes.
Thank you and we love you Mr. and Mrs. Bills.
Mrs. Marithely Allen (Mother of Faith Allen, class of 2016)
No one memory sticks out in particular, but my favorite memories with Mr. Bills were spent in the gymnasium, trading quips as we competed against each other in everything from badminton to football. Mr. Bills was a true champion, fiercely competitive in everything he approached- he brought out the best in everyone around him, including me. Outside of competition, Mr. Bills was magnanimous and approachable, and I spent many an afternoon after school ended in his office just talking about life. Those small moments with him are some of my most cherished high school memories.
Josh Lim, class of 2017
I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Bills from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. Over those years, he wore many hats in my life—he was my gym teacher, my homeroom teacher, my driver’s ed instructor, my soccer coach, and for a short time, even my basketball coach. He was with us on our junior retreat, in the Dominican Republic, and at four years’ worth of riot nights and spirit weeks.
As a kid, I’ll admit—I was a little scared of Mr. Bills. I’d see how fired up he got on the sidelines and how loudly he coached, and it was intimidating. But as I grew older, I began to understand that all of that came from his passion for the game, for his students, and for seeing us give our best. That passion was contagious, and it impacted every part of how he taught, coached, and lived.
The intensity he brought to his work was the mark of an incredible man. He walked alongside hundreds of kids as we grew up, through all the highs and lows of figuring out life, and he was a steady example of what it looks like to live as a godly man.
Mr. Bills was always quick with a joke and had a way of pulling you out of a funk right when you needed it. He was even quicker to beat you on the court, on the field, or in pretty much any game you challenged him to. And though we gave him plenty of headaches with our shenanigans, he always had more patience with us than we deserved.
Many of the lessons I carry into adulthood weren’t ones he sat me down to teach—they were lessons I picked up simply by watching the way he lived his life. His passion, his faith, his humor, and his love for people are things I’ll never forget, and I’ll always be grateful to have known him.
Rest in Paradise Coach, I know the courts in heaven are ready for you 🕊️
Shihab Joseph, class of 2017
I had a study hall in the choir room and would hang out with Mr. and Mrs. Bills in the gym during it. I was driving at the time, so he sent me to Dunkin and Sam I Am to get coffee and bagels for him and Mrs. Bills! It was fun “breaking the rules” for him.
Jordan Gottshall, class of 2020
I used to badger Bills in his office constantly. Most times I would walk in the door, he would put on his best Irish accent and sing “Danny Boy” except, because I was a girl, he would sing “Oh Danny Girl” and then 9/10 times ask me if I knew the song, to which the answer was always no because that song is from 1913, and to which his answer would be “it’s a good song, you go look it up.”
Also, he coached me all though middle school girls basketball. To which, after every game, my mother would thank him for taking up the painful task after retiring from boys’ basketball as one of the most successful coaches in NJ. We scored 2 points our first game, and one practice Bills got so tired of me dribbling before triple thinking that he decided we would scrimmage the rest of practice and every time I dribbled before I thought, he made the rest of the team (not me) do 10 pushups. I was fixed of that habit halfway through the practice.
He was humble, proud beyond words of Matty and his grandkids, and one of the kindest and funniest souls I’ll ever have the honor to meet. He pointed every one of his students to Christ every chance he got and set the standard for what it means to live out your calling as a man of God. As my dad put it, “he left big footprints” on every life he touched. He’ll forever be my favorite coach, and I have no doubt that I will be quoting his “Bills-isms” and remembering his wisdom and advice for the rest of my life.
Danielle Aller, class of 2021
I will never forget sitting down with Mr. and Mrs. Bills during the spring of my freshman year when he told us that they were going to be the new head coaches of the softball team. At the end of the season, he sat us all down again and said that it was the most fun he had had coaching in a long time. We had two great seasons with him as head coach, having so much fun during practices. I cannot believe that he is gone, but I’m so grateful that I knew him for as long as I did.
Kyla Johnson, class of 2021
Some of my favorite memories with Mr. Bills are from gym class. He was always so good at every sport no matter what it was. He taught us the fundamentals to everything. Soccer, pickleball, baseball, badminton, he did it all. I remember one time we had a ladder tournament in class for badminton. Mr. Bills beat me and my partner by himself. He returned all of our serves making us run around the court like chickens with our heads cut off. And of course he stood on the other side stoically never breaking a sweat. We all said we would beat him one day but that day never came. He was always wiser and somehow more agile than teenagers entering the prime of their life. I looked up to Mr. Bills as an athlete and also as a man of God. My goal in life is to leave a mark on my friends and family the way Mr. Bills left TCS, a legend.
Josiah Martinez, class of 2022