Remembering Billy Ray Smith Jr.: A Life of Football, Family, and Giving Back

Breaking News: San Diego Chargers legend Billy Ray Smith Jr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, at the age of 64, surrounded by his loving family.

Who Was Billy Ray Smith Jr.?

Billy Ray Smith Jr. was much more than a football player. He was a College Football Hall of Famer, a San Diego Chargers icon, a beloved broadcaster, a tireless philanthropist, and a devoted husband and father. His life shows us that true greatness isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about how many people you help along the way.

His Life Journey: Step by Step

1. Texas Roots & High School Glory

• Grew up in Plano, Texas
• Starred at Plano Senior High School
• Led his team to a Texas Class 4A State Championship

2. Following in Dad’s Footsteps at Arkansas

• Dad: Billy Ray Smith Sr. — Super Bowl champion
• Attended University of Arkansas (just like dad)
• Became a two-time unanimous All-American (one of the highest honors in college football)
• Later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

3. The NFL Dream: San Diego Chargers

• 1983 NFL Draft: Selected 5th overall by the San Diego Chargers
• Wore number 54 for his entire 10-year career (1983–1992)
• Known for rare combo: size, speed, strength… and one of the highest football IQs in the NFL
• Named Team MVP — one of the franchise’s most respected players
• Often said: "Coming to San Diego to play for the Chargers was everything I ever dreamed of."

4. Giving Back Starts Early: "Bates Street"

• Teamed up with teammates to create "Bates Street" — an after-school program for local kids
• Provided sports, activities, guidance, and a safe place to belong
• Players funded it themselves for years
• This was just the beginning of a lifelong mission to serve

5. Love, Marriage & Fatherhood

• Met Kimberly Hunt (ABC 10News anchor) during a United Cerebral Palsy telethon
• Married in 1990
• Welcomed daughter Savannah in 1992
• Embraced dad life with humor & heart:
  

  "She’ll have a wet diaper, and I’ll be changing the wet diaper, and she’ll wait until the diaper is off to bring the heavy artillery."

6. Broadcasting Star: Voice of San Diego Sports

• Joined Channel 10 as Sports Director in 1993
• Longtime co-host of “Scott and B.R.” on San Diego radio
• Worked network TV broadcasts for college & pro football
• Remained a fixture at ABC 10News for decades

7. Philanthropy Powerhouse: Great Friends Foundation

• Co-founded the Great Friends Foundation
• Raised millions of dollars for local military families
• Supported dozens of charities across San Diego
• Kimberly said: "He never said no. Ever."

8. Final Honor: "Nice Guys of the Year"

• In early July, Billy Ray & Kimberly were named Nice Guys of the Year
• 46th annual gala was set for October — a fitting tribute to his kindness

> Important: His Courageous Battle with CTE

Billy Ray faced dementia caused by CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) — a brain condition linked to repeated head impacts in football.

• He battled it with "unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength"
• His family shared this openly to raise awareness
• He passed peacefully, surrounded by family

What is CTE?
A progressive brain disease found in athletes (especially football players) with a history of repetitive brain trauma. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, mood changes, and dementia.

Family Statement (Released July 29)

"It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength.

Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend. On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return.

He leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives. His undeniable legacy will live forever in our hearts, and we thank our incredible community for the outpouring of love and support.

Details regarding a memorial celebration will be shared at a later date."

His Legacy in a Nutshell

Summary

Billy Ray Smith Jr. lived a full, generous, and courageous life. From a Texas state title to the NFL, from the broadcast booth to the living rooms of San Diego families, he gave his all — on the field, on the air, and in the community. Even while battling a devastating illness, he faced it with grace. His legacy? Lifting others up.

FAQ: 5 Questions You Might Have

1. When and how did Billy Ray Smith Jr. pass away?

He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, at age 64, surrounded by family, after a long battle with dementia caused by CTE.

2. What teams did he play for?

He spent his entire 10-year NFL career (1983–1992) with the San Diego Chargers, wearing number 54. He was drafted 5th overall in 1983.

3. What is CTE, and how is it connected to football?

CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) is a brain disease caused by repeated head hits — common in contact sports like football. It leads to memory loss, mood changes, and dementia. Billy Ray’s family confirmed his dementia was caused by CTE.

4. What charity work was he known for?

He co-founded the Great Friends Foundation (raising millions for military families), helped create "Bates Street" (after-school program for kids), and supported dozens of San Diego charities over decades.

5. Who survives him?

His wife, Kimberly Hunt (ABC 10News anchor), and their daughter, Savannah. He also leaves behind a vast community of friends, teammates, colleagues, and fans who loved him.

"True strength is measured not just by what you accomplish, but by how many people you lift up along the way."
— The life of Billy Ray Smith Jr.