Billy Roy Smith

1959 - 2022

Billy Roy Smith, 62, of San Antonio and formally of Dallas Texas, went to join in the heavenly party on April 3rd, 2022, due to a bicycle accident.
Born June 7, 1959, in Portales NM, Billy lived in Dora and Causey NM ('1960-63), Crownpoint NM ('63-70), Gallup NM ('70-77), Lubbock TX ('77-84), Portales NM ('84-89), Dallas TX ('89-21) and San Antonio TX ('21-22).
Billy graduated from Gallup HS, where he ran track, was in the National Honor Society, NM Boys State representative, was on the Senior Executive committee and was voted "Mr. Spirit".
Billy was a graduate of Texas Tech University (BS "84 in Education) and Eastern NM University (MA '88 in Communication). While at Texas Tech, Billy was a Saddle Tramp ('80-84), Raider Red- Spring of '81 and a Texas Tech Cheerleader for 3 years. He was a NCA instructor from 1980-86. While in Lubbock, he was employed at Devault Floral and the Copper Caboose Restaurant.
Billy taught English and coached basketball and track at Portales Jr. High from 1985-88. He started and sponsored the "Red Rockers" and was on the Miss Portales Board of Directors. In the Summer of 1987, Billy performed at Six Flags over Texas in the show "Stars and Stripes Salute". In 1989, Billy moved to Dallas and was employed by the National Spirit Group from 1989-1994. Billy also competed on the dance group "Body Rock" on the 1991 Star Search tv program, where they made it to the finals. He also competed in the finals in the Reebok National Aerobic Championships in 1993.
Billy coached the Lake Highland Cheerleaders for 24 years, Cheer Dallas for 5 years, Club Spirit to 2 National Championships, and was owner and coach for Spirit Celebration. Billy worked for Southwest Airlines from 1995-2005, coached Texas Tech Cheerleaders and oversaw the Texas Tech Cheerleader Alumni Activities for over 35 years. He has been a very active member of the Texas Tech Alumni Association and Red Raider Club. Billy sold Spirit Celebration in 2017 and continued as the brand manager until March 2018. Billy and David Haass, his business partner and husband created the wedding venue "The Abbey Estate" in Waxahachie, TX. Billy was also an Assistant Principal at Uplift Infinity Charter Schools. Billy and David relocated to San Antonio in 2021. Billy was responsible for the Texas Tech Bell Tower clean up and Decor and the Raider Red Statue funding project, which will now also display a plaque honoring Billy's efforts in the "107 Steps to Victory Project".
Billy was a supporter of Legacy Founders Cottage, Scottish Rite Hospital Dallas, Association for the Deaf, I Can Still Shine, Cheer 4 Your Life, "Cheer Abilities" teams, programs supporting Autism research and integration, and everything Texas Tech.
Billy is survived by his husband, David Haass; mother, Louise Smith of Burleson, TX; sister, Rita Smith-Bingham also of Burleson; niece, Kaitlyn Mofford and her husband Timothy of Lewisville, TX; nephew, Grayson Bingham and his wife Megan; and great-niece, Elizabeth of Manhattan KS; nephew, Braden Bingham of Burleson; mother-in-law, Shirley Haass of Devine, TX; sisters in law, Marsha Haass, Sheila Haass Schott, Karla Haass Bernhard and their families; uncle, Holt Irby of Garland, TX; aunt, Doris Devault of Farwell, TX; uncle, Derrell Smith and wife Laura of Waco, TX; and numerous cousins that were more like siblings.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, Billy Ray Smith; grandparents, Odell and Una Smith; father-in-law, David J Haass Sr.; aunt, Laverne Irby; uncle, Gerald Devault; and aunt, Jody Smith.
A Life Celebration will be held May 14th at the Marriot Dallas Allen Hotel and Convention Center, 777 Watters Creek Boulevard, Allen, TX 75013 from 2-3pm, with a Reception Rally from 3-4pm. Attire: RED&BLACK! In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Billy Smith Spirit Leaders Scholarship at Texas Tech University via https.//give.ttu.edu/smith-spirit or call 806-742-2211.