Billy Ray Smith Legacy Remembered | San Diego Padres News

Billy Ray Smith, the legendary Chargers linebacker drafted fifth overall in 1983 and a beloved figure in San Diego sports media, has passed away at 64 after a courageous battle with dementia linked to CTE. A defensive cornerstone for the Chargers with over 100 games played, he earned multiple team honors including top defensive player and MVP. Post-retirement, he became a familiar and respected voice on KGTV and local radio, alongside his wife Kimberly Hunt, a news anchor at the same station. His family remembers him as a joyful, generous man whose legacy in football and broadcasting will forever resonate. The community’s outpouring of love underscores the profound impact he made on fans, teammates, and colleagues alike. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/efb6ad2151df172f