Billy Ray Smith Jr.: key obituary facts
Is Billy Ray Smith Jr. dead? Yes. Billy Ray Smith Jr. died on July 29, 2026, at age 64.
Cause of death: Billy Ray Smith Jr.'s cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Billy Ray Smith Jr. known for?
He was an All-American college football player, professional football player, linebacker, College Football Hall of Fame member.
More about Billy Ray Smith Jr.
Born: 10 August 1961.
Place of birth: Fayetteville.
Gender: male.
Occupation: American football player, radio personality.
Nationality: United States.
Education: Plano Senior High School.
Spouse: Kimberly Hunt.
Billy Ray Smith Jr., an American football player who starred as a linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, died on July 29, 2026, aged 64.
Smith played 10 seasons in the NFL after a standout career at the University of Arkansas, where he was twice named a unanimous All-American. The 1983 first-round draft pick was born in Fayetteville, Ark., and grew up in Plano, Texas, attending Plano Senior High School before moving on to Arkansas.
A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, he was also recognized in the Plano Texas Hall of Honor.