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Sam Belle was born and raised in Williamsport and attended Williamsport schools. Following his 1952 graduation, Sam would attend Bloomsburg University for a little more than two years before being appointed into the Williamsport Police Academy on Dec. 1, 1955. On May 7, 1956 Sam would be granted a leave of absence from the police department for two years after being drafted into the U.S. Army. Sam proudly served his country during the Korean War as a gunner in Germany before his discharge. Though still in the Army Reserves, Sam returned to the police force on May 16, 1958, serving and protecting as a Williamsport police officer for a total of six years. While serving as a police officer, Sam returned to school as a part-time student at Lycoming College, earning a bachelor’s degree. Sam would retire from the Williamsport police on Sept. 7, 1963 to pursue a teaching career.

Samuel went on to inspire young minds as an American history teacher at Williamsport Area High School for the next three decades before he retired in 1993. Proud to be a Millionaire, he was not only a teacher but also a mentor, uplifting students to reach their fullest potential. He also became an extensive part of the Williamsport athletic program all year long, coaching junior high basketball and cross country for 10 years, varsity football for 15 years and track and field for 55 years. Even while battling throat cancer, Sam would coach from his hospital bed by watching videos until he passed. He was also the time keeper for basketball games and a major supporter of the boosters by selling shirts at tournaments. As a track coach, he was named PHAC Coach of the Year numerous times — at one point for five consecutive years. During his five decades of coaching track he had nine state champions. Sam’s influence is also apparent in the track coaching stadd at Williamsport Area High School, as six of the current coaches were coached by Sam. Both Connor Oldt, hurdle coach and Dana Baer Smith, throws coach, still teach the techniques they learned from Sam.

Sam’s coaching and mentoring extended far beyond the students’ high school years. With many, it continued into their military service, civil service, athletic achievements and well into their careers and throughout their lives.

“I’m 69 years old and still follow his running directives and guidance,” David Miller, a former cross country athlete of Sam’s, said. “Sam was fondly known by our cross country team as the general of — relax and push. His quote will live forever in our minds.”

City councilman Jonah Milliken expressed the same sentiment, saying he “continues to train and be motivated by the words of Coach Belle.”

Sam Belle’s service also reached into other parts of the community. He dedicated his time to the former Bethune Douglass Community Center, where he spent countless hours coaching youth athletics as well as being a member of the board of directors. His leadership and tireless work were vital in keeping the center on solid ground and open to the city’s youth. Sam has also sponsored a scholarship in the name of Bethune Douglass at Williamsport Area High School for anyone interest in making a contribution. Sam was a founding member of the VIPs, a support group for seniors in Williamsport. He also established a retiree breakfast club for men, which continues in his name annually in August at the American Legion Post 1 on Third Street in Williamsport.

Sam also participated in local Black history projects held at the James V. Brown Library and participated in, as well as supported, many programs and events at Lycoming College and the Taber Museum. He was also a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church.

Sam was an active member of the NAACP, former president of the West Branch Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, chairman of the cultural committee for Williamsport Recreation Department and a member of the West Branch Plan for Equality and Opportunity.

Sam was inducted into the West Branch Sports Hall of Fame and the Bethune Douglass Hall of Fame. He received the Bethune Douglass Sports Award and the Dale V. Brown Service Award from Lycoming College. On Oct. 14, 2016, Sam received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Williamsport Area High School. In honor and recognition of his significant contributions to the school and his community through his dedicated service to others.