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BREAKING: Chargers Legend Billy Ray Smith Jr. Dead at 67
Remembering Billy Ray Smith Jr.: A Chargers Legend Who Lifted Others Up
Important Note: This article shares the life story of Billy Ray Smith Jr., a former NFL player who passed away on July 29, 2025, at age 64. His family shared that he bravely faced dementia caused by CTE (a brain condition linked to repeated head injuries in football). This story celebrates his many accomplishments on and off the field.
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 legend (10 seasons, 1983–1993)
- A beloved broadcaster on TV and radio
- A tireless philanthropist who raised millions for others
- A devoted husband and father
He showed that true strength isn’t just about muscles or tackles—it’s about how many people you help along the way.
Early Life: A Texas Champion
Billy Ray grew up in Plano, Texas, where football is practically a religion.
- High School Star – At Plano Senior High School, he helped his team win the Texas Class 4A State Championship.
- Like Father, Like Son – His dad, Billy Ray Smith Sr., was a Super Bowl champion. Billy Ray followed him to the University of Arkansas.
- College Greatness – At Arkansas, he became a two-time unanimous All-American—meaning every single voter agreed he was one of the best players in the country. His dad did the same thing years earlier!
Fun Fact: "Unanimous All-American" is a rare honor. It means coaches, writers, and experts all agreed: "This guy is the real deal."
The NFL Years: A Charger for Life
The Draft
In 1983, the San Diego Chargers picked Billy Ray 5th overall in the NFL Draft. He wore number 54 for his entire 10-year career—never playing for another team.
What Made Him Special?
- Physical gifts: Size + speed + strength
- Mental gifts: One of the highest football IQs in the NFL
- Heart: Teammates and fans respected him deeply
- Achievement: Named Team MVP
Billy Ray once said: "Coming to San Diego to play for the Chargers was everything I ever dreamed of."
Giving Back: The "Bates Street" Program
Billy Ray didn’t wait until retirement to help others. During his playing days, he and several teammates created "Bates Street"—an after-school program for local kids.
- Provided sports, activities, and mentorship
- Players funded it themselves for years
- Gave kids a safe place to belong and grow
This was just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service.
Family Life: Kimberly, Savannah & Fatherhood
A Telethon Romance
In a beautiful twist, Billy Ray met his future wife Kimberly Hunt (an ABC 10News anchor) during a United Cerebral Palsy telethon. They married in 1990 and welcomed daughter Savannah in 1992.
Dad Jokes & Diapers
Billy Ray embraced fatherhood with the same energy he brought to football. He once joked:
"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!"
Second Career: Broadcasting Star
After retiring from football (1993), Billy Ray became a familiar voice in San Diego homes:
| Role | Details |
|---|---|
| Sports Director | Channel 10 (ABC 10News), starting 1993 |
| Radio Host | Long-running "Scott and B.R." show |
| Network TV | College & pro football broadcasts |
| Local Fixture | Remained at ABC 10News for decades |
He was warm, knowledgeable, and felt like a friend you’d known forever.
The Great Friends Foundation: Serving Military Families
Billy Ray co-founded the Great Friends Foundation, which raised millions of dollars for local military families.
Kimberly Hunt said: "When he was drafted by the Chargers in 1983, he came into this city with a generosity of spirit. He never said no. Ever."
Final Honor: "Nice Guys of the Year"
In early July 2025, Billy Ray and Kimberly were named Nice Guys of the Year—with the 46th annual gala planned for October. A fitting tribute to a life of kindness.
The Family’s Statement
Full Statement (Shared July 29, 2025):
"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."
Summary: A Life Measured by Lives Touched
| Role | Legacy |
|---|---|
| Football Player | 10-year Charger, #54, Team MVP, College Hall of Famer |
| Community Builder | Co-founded Bates Street, Great Friends Foundation |
| Broadcaster | Trusted voice on TV & radio for 30+ years |
| Family Man | Loving husband to Kimberly, proud dad to Savannah |
| Human Being | "Never said no" to helping others |
Billy Ray Smith Jr. proved that the greatest stats aren’t on a scoreboard—they’re in the smiles of kids at Bates Street, the relief of military families helped by Great Friends, and the love of a family who adored him.
FAQ: Questions You Might Have
1. What is CTE, and how is it related to football?
CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) is a brain condition caused by repeated head impacts. It can lead to memory loss, confusion, and dementia. Many former NFL players have been diagnosed after their careers. Billy Ray’s family shared he faced this "with unmatched bravery."
2. Did Billy Ray play for any team besides the Chargers?
No. He spent his entire 10-year NFL career (1983–1993) with the San Diego Chargers, wearing number 54.
3. What was the "Bates Street" program?
An after-school program Billy Ray and teammates created during their playing days. It gave local kids sports, activities, mentorship, and a safe place to go. The players funded it themselves for years.
4. How did Billy Ray meet his wife Kimberly?
They met at a United Cerebral Palsy telethon—a charity fundraiser. Kimberly was an anchor at ABC 10News. They married in 1990 and had daughter Savannah in 1992.
5. What is the Great Friends Foundation?
A charity co-founded by Billy Ray that raised millions for San Diego military families. It was one of many causes he devoted his life to after football.
Final Thought: Billy Ray Smith Jr. showed us that a "legend" isn’t just someone who makes highlight reels. It’s someone who shows up—for their team, their community, their family, and strangers in need. San Diego was lucky to have him.
