REMEMBERING A CHARGER LEGEND AND EVEN GREATER MAN
The celebration of life for Billy Ray Smith was this afternoon in Point Loma at Rock Church where it was packed with people.
Smith passed on July 29th after a lengthy journey with dementia. It was 64 years of memories made with family, teammates and friends.
“I truly thank each and every one of you for coming today to help celebrate the life of my husband,” ABC 10News Anchor Kimberly Hunt said.
The speakers at Smith’s celebration of life included Hunt, Pro Football Hall of Famers Drew Brees and Dan Fouts, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and more.
“BR possessed some of the greatest human traits. He was one of the most principled people I’ve ever met. He stood by his morals and values at all times,” Brees said.
“I was asked recently if I could remember anybody, anybody that didn’t like BR. After giving it some thought, John Elway,” Fouts said in a joking manner.
Many of the stories were from their playing days as teammates on the San Diego Chargers.
“Billy Ray took it to a new level. Billy would hit that outside rusher. In fact, he would crush that outside rusher the first rush of the game, and that guy would never show up the rest of the day,” John Carney, Former Charger Teammate, said.
But Smith’s great impact was felt off the field, particularly for his family.
“He was kind, and he was smart and loyal and generous and funny. But what meant the most to Bill was being a father and being a husband,” Hunt said.
“Maybe one of his lesser-known traits was his infinite patience, with me at least. When I was two, I went to go see Lion King in theaters and I loved it. So, he took me back to see it 22 times,” Savannah Smith Hicks, Smith’s daughter, said. “With my first son on the way in October, I think back to how me made my life so special and poured his heart into being a father every single day.”
Smith is also remembered for his tremendous impact in the community through his philanthropic work.
“No couple I know has been more impactful, thoughtful, and generous in their community than BR and Kimberly. The list of their involvement and dedication to people in need causes close to their heart is nearly endless,” Fouts said.
There are many ways to describe Billy Ray Smith. One thing is for sure: he was a man who led a life many of us hope to live.
"Bill always looked for the light in everything, even in dark times. He woke up finding joy,” Hunt said. "I will always remember the way Bill loved me, how well he loved, how he told me every day he loved me."