Eagles defensive end; also a teacher, coach
Former Eagles defensive end Norman "Wildman" Willey, 83, died Thursday at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. Mr. Willey was a three-time NFL all-pro selection and played for the Eagles from 1950 to 1958. Among his many accomplishments were playing in two Pro Bowls and racking up 17 sacks in one game against the New York Giants. He was named to both the Eagles' 75-year all-star team and the all-century team.
Former Eagles defensive end Norman "Wildman" Willey, 83, died Thursday at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.
Mr. Willey was a three-time NFL all-pro selection and played for the Eagles from 1950 to 1958. Among his many accomplishments were playing in two Pro Bowls and racking up 17 sacks in one game against the New York Giants. He was named to both the Eagles' 75-year all-star team and the all-century team.
After his retirement, Mr. Willey spent many years greeting distinguished visitors and dignitaries at Eagles games as well as opposing players, whom he led onto the field at the start of each game.
Mr. Willey went on to teach physical education and driver's education for 30 years at Pennsville High School in Pennsville, N.J., where he also coached tennis and basketball. The "Norm Willey Boot" trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Pennsville-Penns Grove football game.
Mr. Willey also hosted the popular Wildman Show on Salem County cable television and coached semipro football in Wilmington.
Mr. Willey was a graduate of Pine Grove High School in Pine Grove, W. Va., and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He went on to a storied college football career with the Thundering Herd of Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va., and in 2003 was elected to the Marshall University Athletics Hall of Fame for his play in varsity football and basketball.
Mr. Willey also was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Hall of Fame and the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his companion of 40 years, June L. Lange; children Kim Willey, Kyle Willey Gorman and her husband, Albert, and Scott E. Willey.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, Del. The funeral service and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Willey may be made to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A St., Wilmington, Del. 19801, or to the Pennsville Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 406, Pennsville, N.J. 08070.
To sign Mr. Willey's guest book, visit spicermullikin.com.