Obituary of William Eugene Weaver

William “Bill” Eugene Weaver, 67, of Niles, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 21, 2022, while surrounded by his family and close friends.

Bill was born on June 22, 1955, to the late James and Joan (Hill) Weaver in Niles, Michigan.  Bill is survived by his wife, Pamela (Granning) of Niles; brother, Jim (Rosemary) Weaver Jr. of Dowagiac; nieces, Lisa (Weaver) Gipson of Niles and Lori (Weaver) Palajac of California.  He also left behind innumerable friends as well as students that called him Mr. Weaver or Coach.

In 1972, Bill met Pam at Niles High School and thus began a teenage love story like no other.  They were married on August 5, 1978, in Niles.  Pam was the light of his life and he was devoted to her and the beautiful life that they built together. 

Bill graduated from Niles Senior High School in 1974 and he went on to Eastern Michigan University with a “full-ride” basketball scholarship.  He pursued a Teaching Degree specializing in Physical Education.  Bill also completed Post Graduate work at Western Michigan University and Michigan State University.

After completing a Bachelors of Arts Degree, Bill started his first teaching job at Buchanan Middle School kickstarting a 25-year career.   He was the Physical Education Teacher and coached Girls’ Basketball and Boys’ Basketball.  Bill also taught Driver’s Education in the summers. 

Bill loved sports as a participant, coach, and fan.  His first love was baseball where he was a pitcher and homerun hitter for the FOP League in Niles. Many expected that he would have a successful baseball career as a pitcher.  As fate would have it, he was encouraged to try out for basketball.  He found that he really liked the game and it was then that his father put a basketball court in their backyard.  Bill could be found out on the court shooting for hours, even in the winter with his gloves on. 

Bill had a legendary career at Niles Senior High School where he still holds 9 records including career scoring leader with a total of 1,324 points in his three seasons (Before the 3-point shot). Bill holds the record for all-time highest score in a game against South Bend Clay High School in 1974 with 46 points and continues to hold the Most Free Throw record with 134 points in a season and Best Free Throw percentage with 84% in a single season. Bill was a member of the Detroit Free Press All-State Team for his 1973-1974 high school season.  While playing basketball for Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, he led the team in scoring his junior year and was the captain of the team his senior year.

Bill had a desire to pass on his knowledge of basketball and did it in a big way in Buchanan.  His basketball teams were known throughout the state.  Bill had a 340-132 coaching record in 21 years with nine Lakeland Conference Championships, seven district titles, two regional titles, and two Final Four Appearances. 

In 1990, coaching the Buchanan girls’ basketball team, Bill finished 27-1 and upset, the heavily-favored and reigning state champion, Detroit Country Day in the Class C State title game.  His team was also honored with the Good Sports Are Winners Award. Bill’s small-town Bucks again went to the Final Four State Championship in 2001. He holds the titles of Conference Coach of The Year and Regional Coach of The Year.

When time permitted, Bill could be found fishing at his favorite spot on Fish Lake, hunting, and enjoying outdoor activities.  He loved going anywhere and doing anything with his wife, Pam; and especially loved concerts, travel and “cruising” on the high seas. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Ngan Van, Dr. Wei Huff, Rebecca Knabenshue NP, Dr. Bob White, and Dr. Luke White for the care, guidance, and support they provided.

Bill's family will be remembering him privately.