Chargers legend Billy Ray Smith Jr. passes away
10News.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Billy Ray Smith Jr., Chargers legend and College Football Hall of Famer, passed away on July 29 at age 64, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the football field.
- Smith, a standout at Plano Senior High School and the University of Arkansas, was drafted 5th overall by the San Diego Chargers in 1983 and spent his entire decade-long NFL career with the team.
- Beyond football, Smith co-founded the "Bates Street" after-school program and the Great Friends Foundation, dedicating much of his life to charitable work supporting local youth and military families in San Diego.
- After retiring from football, Smith became a respected broadcaster for ABC 10News and San Diego radio, while maintaining a strong commitment to community service alongside his family.
- Smith is remembered as a devoted husband to Kimberly Hunt and father to their daughter Savannah, exemplifying generosity and service throughout his life.
