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Billy Ray Smith Sr.
1935 - 2001
Billy Ray Smith Sr.
1935 - 2001
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1935
DIED
2001
Billy Smith Obituary
An Augusta High School standout from 1950-52 under Coach Curtis King, he made the All-American Prep team in 1952, and played in the High School All-American game in 1953. Bowden Wyatt's Arkansas Razorbacks offered Billy Ray a football scholarship. He enrolled at the University in 1953. In 1954, Wyatt's "24 Little Pigs" rooted out of the Ozarks to take the Southwest Conference Football Championship at the Cotton Bowl in January 1955. Billy Ray was a member of that squad. In 1956, Smith was named to the first All Southwest Conference Team.
He was a dominating amateur boxer, holding the Golden Gloves Regional Championship in 1953 and 1954, and he was twice Mid-South heavyweight champion in 1955-56.
He completed ROTC while at Fayetteville, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Defense Artillery in 1958. He served in the Air Reserve until 1965.
In 1957, Billy Ray began his career in professional football as third round draft pick for the Los Angeles Rams. He was traded to the Steelers in 1958 and played for Pittsburgh until 1960. In 1961, he was traded to the Baltimore Colts. It was in Baltimore that he would make his mark on professional football. Nicknamed "The Rabbit" by his teammates, Billy Ray Sr. became a mainstay and captain of a defensive line, which took the Colts to two Super Bowls during his career. His game motto was simple: "We always play for a shutout. Nothing fancy, nothing sensational. Just a shutout." He retired from professional football in 1971 after the Colts defeated the Cowboys in Super Bowl V, ending his 13-year career.
After retiring from sports, he worked with three distinguished investment firms, Alex Brown, White Weld, and Stephens Inc. He was an extremely successful investment banker and was promoted by Stephens to Sales Manager of the Corporate Department and then to Vice President in 1994. He retired in 1996 due to health problems.
Billy Ray Smith Sr. was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1976. Enshrined into the University of Arkansas' Hall of Honor in 1994. He was named to the All-Decade Team of the 1950s, and the Arkansas All-Century Team. In 1999, Sports Illustrated named him as one of the "Fifty Greatest Sports Figures from Arkansas".
As a Rotarian, he received a Paul Harris Fellow Award, a 33rd Degree Freemason, and an active member of the St. James United Methodist Church of Little Rock.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jenny Lou Boone Smith, formerly of Henderson, Kentucky; 4 children and 3 stepchildren; 2 sisters; 9 grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.
Lt. Col. Kevin Bruce Smith, a 1981 graduate of West Point and a current Battalion Commander at Fort Polk; Shelly Jo Swaim, an equine reproduction technologist in North Carolina; Billy Ray Smith Jr., All-American at the University of Arkansas from 1979 through 1982, a ten-year career with the San Diego Chargers; and Shannon Mobley, a housewife and legal assistant in Allen, Texas; 2 stepdaughters, Shelly Fowler, a sales representative for DavRon Beauty Supplies and Shannon Johnson, account executive for Safilo, both of Little Rock; and a stepson, Shane Ball, project manager for American Commercial Coatings of Lexington, Kentucky.
Billy Ray's two surviving sisters are Polly Ann McCormick and her husband Willie of Bethel Springs, Tennessee, and Peggy Smart and her husband Tommy of Piggett, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Marty Curtis and her husband Mike of Potomac, Maryland; mother- and father-in-law, Fred and Lou Ann Boone of Henderson, Kentucky; 9 grandchildren, Adrian Nichole Hammonds, Benjamin Stewart, Scott Smith, Matthew Smith, Samantha Mobley, Kane Mobley, Quinton Mobley, Savanah Marie Smith, and Tristen Fowler.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 23, 2001, 5-8 p.m., at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 West 12th Street, Little Rock. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 24, 10:30 a.m., at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, officiated by Drs. Guy Whitney and David Bush. Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, 3 p.m., at Augusta Memorial Park, Augusta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave Wallace
March 2, 2011
We Marylanders loved the Memories Billy Ray Smith gave us. And as a boy growing up through those years we can be proud of the Man that he was, as his living legacy of children are testimony of his Character. May God Bless Billy Ray and his Family on this 10th Anniversary of his passing.
Dave Wallace
March 2, 2011
We Marylanders loved the Memories Billy Ray Smith gave us. And as a boy growing up through those years we can be proud of the Man that he was, as his living legacy of children are testimony of his Character. May God Bless his Family on this 10th Anniversary of the passing of Billy Ray.
david prater
November 27, 2010
I went to school with Billy at the University of Arkansas. When I graduated my job took me to California and Billy was traiing with the Rams in Redlands california and we conneceted and dated sisters together.I saw Billy play in LA and was in the locker room after the game, and we got together a few times. Time passes and I returned to Missouri for a new job and watched hime play on tv with the colts. He was a great guy----David Prater
Jimmy Louis Simmons
October 29, 2009
This entry is kind of late. I knew Billy Ray Sr. very well. We were 1st cousins. His mother and my father were sister and brother. Billy Ray was about two-months older than me, and we grew up together. I still often think of him. May God rest his soul in peace. We loved him, and we miss him.
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Virginia,Sparks Pate
January 7, 2009
Billy Ray Smith Sr was so proud of you. Being raised with him in Augusta AR was an adventure. He use to visit with Porter and I here in San Diego when he would come to town and tell the kids made up stories of his life in Augusta. Some very true. I have to take a second look when I see you as it takes me back in time. We all loved your Dad dearly.
Tim Fagan
January 6, 2009
I truly injoyed watching Billy Ray and the Colts play when thay were in
Baltamore.
Super Bowl V
March 14, 2008
Super Bowl V
March 14, 2008
Last game Super Bowl V
March 14, 2008
BR Jr. pregame with BR Sr.
March 14, 2008
Zeke Bratkowski meets B.R.
March 14, 2008
with Bart Starr after Colts Packers game
March 14, 2008
Tom Ford
December 23, 2007
To a old Colt from a old Colt Fan
Rest in Peace
Tom
charles smith
December 12, 2007
This is charles smith I have done this once but not right so here goes again. I am expressing my condolences to the faimly.
December 11, 2007
this is from a distant cousin from arkansas just heard about this site and would like to leave the condolences to the faimly from charles smith the son of leonard c smith.
Ross Bowen
February 2, 2005
I was brought up in the City of Baltimore, during the era when Billy Ray Smith played for the Colts. Many a game I watched on television, because we couldn't afford tickets to go see them in person. He will forever remain steadfast, along with the late Mr. Unitas, as a mainstay, along with Alan Ameche, Raymond Berry, Ray Brown, and countless others too numerous to name in this limited area.
He will be missed.
With all due respect,
Ross H.L. Bowen, former Baltimore Colts fan.
Dennis Swaim
August 25, 2001
Did not know Billy Ray Smith,his daughter Shelley is my sister-in-law.I lost my mother the same time Shelley lost her father. My thoughts go and prayers go out to the family.
Kay McCollum Switzer
May 1, 2001
My deepest sympathy to you, Jenny.
Kay Switzer
Jo Davis
April 10, 2001
Billy Ray and my husband, Jimmy Davis, of Augusta, were classmates and friends, as well as cousins. By the time I moved to Augusta, Billy Ray was playing football at U of A, so I never knew him well, but I have always enjoyed telling this story about him: He was home for the weekend and attended our senior prom. Jimmy, my then-boyfriend, was a stellar dancer, but I have not a single rhythmic move in my body. So Jim was having a great time dancing, and I was having a great time watching and talking with friends in the wallflower chairs, when Billy Ray came over and asked me to dance. I explained the impossibility, but he insisted, and off to the floor he led me. It only took a couple of turns, me stomping on his feet, for him to look way down at me and say, "You can't dance, can you?" I laughed, as we went back to the chairs, Billy Ray saying, "I can't believe Jimmy Davis is dating a girl who can't dance!" Of course, Jim and I danced through 20 years of marriage, though!
More recently,I visited with Billy Ray and his lovely wife when we had a Davis gathering in Little Rock a Thanksgiving ago and the two of them joined us for an evening. It was good to see him and to meet her. Jenny,I send my deep regrets to your children and to you. The love the two of you shared was tangible. I know the Lord will bless your future through daily reminders of the richness of that love.
Meanwhile, I am certain that, while he is out there waiting for you, Billy Ray is hustling around setting records on Heaven's football field--or someplace, up there, riding a motorcycle--which is another story from the end of the '50s. Memories make meaning of life.
JEFF & LYNN SMITH
April 2, 2001
TO THE FAMILY OF BILLY RAY SMITH SR., I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF SUCH A WONDERFUL PART OF YOUR FAMILY. AS A FRIEND OF SHELLEY JO I CAN TELL THAT HE WAS THE BACK BONE OF YOUR FAMILY AND WILL BE MISSED GREATLY. I ONLY KNOW OF HIM THROUGH SHELLEY JO WHO IS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND FABULOUS FRIEND. NO DOUBT THAT SHE IS SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON ONLY BECAUSE OF SUCH A WONDERFUL FATHER THAT SHE HAD. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU
Robert Cook
April 1, 2001
To all the family I am so sorry for your loss but its heavens gain God
bless and keep you all and through
Christ we all can get tickets to the
real super bowl in the sky
Carroll Smith
April 1, 2001
FOR THESE ARE MY RIVERS
For these are my rivers, and these are my kin,
The woods of my childhood, will know me again.
No land's ever claimed me, tho'far I did roam,
For these are my rivers and I have come home.
For fame and for fortune, I traveled the earth,
But now I've come home to this land of my birth.
I've brought back my treasures, but only to find
They're less than the pleasures I first left behind.
Now free from the sorrow, and free from all pain,
I mingle and laugh with my loved ones again.
All those who've been missing, who've gone on before,
Dear family, old teammates, I'll see them once more.
Kind faces will meet me, and welcome me in.
And how they will greet me, my own kith and kin.
This night by the fireside, as when I was young,
Old stories will cheer us, old songs will be sung.
For these are my rivers, and this is my glen,
The woods of my childhood will know me again.
No land's ever claimed me, tho' far I did roam,
For these are my rivers, and I have come home.
To my children, Bruce, Shelley, Billy and Shannon, this is for you as well as your dad. He was prouder of all of you than of all his trophies and awards. Thanks for making him, and me, so proud.
Betty Branch Stafford
March 30, 2001
I grew up with Billy Ray in Augusta. His Mother and mine were sisters. My brother William, and his sisters Polly Ann and Peggy and I were always playing together. I finished school in 1955, and after that got married and left town. I never saw much of him in later years, but I did keep up with him through the papers and his mother, my Aunt Lou. I really don't know his children , but I pray that God will comfort them through this most difficult time of their lives. He was a fun cousin to be around and I will miss him a lot.
David Little
March 29, 2001
I met B.R. several years ago in Dallas at the old downtown YMCA. I got to know Billy Ray real well and we would spar at the Y. One day we were going at it pretty good and he broke my jaw. B.R. could hit you with a left hook that made you feel like you were kicked by a mule. We became good friends over the years and I represented him twice in selecting his office space for Alex Brown. He was a great friend and I will remember him always. David Little.
Lisa Fisher
March 29, 2001
To each of you in the Billy Ray Smith Family, I am sorry for your lose and hope that you will each carry warm memories of what a wonderful man, that has touched so many people as you all know. Shelley Joe has shared many of her times with her family and always had a smile on her face and a funny tale to share I know her family that way and am very pleased that I have a wonderful friend as Shelley in my life. I am sure we will have many times in the furture to share more stories and I will think of you all as I do now.
many throughts and prays to you all
much love
Lisa Fisher
Jim Welsch
March 28, 2001
I give may condolences to Billy Ray Smith's family. I knew Billy Ray as a Colt fan, and as the assistant director and then director of the John Unitas football camp in the early 70's. Billy Ray would come over and give some football tips to the campers. Not only was he good with the kids, but was great at going over what stock trades he was going to make that day. He told us then that he would be in the stock brokerage business after football.
Billy Ray was not only a great football player, but a wonderful man who will truly be missed.
Lewis Wright
March 28, 2001
Bily Ray had a great impact of me at the bottom of pill up on the McCrory gritiron with him on top of me. He told me I would not finish the game. I was so relieved when he left the game prematurely. We had great fun durning those days, when Billy Ray and his buddies from August would come to McCrory to Pat's Cafe and we all would play the penball machine. I have never met his family but I do pray for God's Comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Charles Cole
March 28, 2001
What a treat to read the tributes from all the folks who grew up watching Billy Ray with the Colts. We go back a bit more. Billy Ray and I were "freshman footballers" at Arkansas in 1953. I love to tell stories, and my kids often accuse me of "letting the facts grow" to make the stories better. But when it comes to my Arkansas memories of Billy Ray, the stories (especially the one about the psychology final) are all solid fact; he was such a wonderful, colorful character, there is no need to doctor them at all. Billy Ray was a true friend. We'll miss him.
Glenda Foster
March 28, 2001
A Daer friend to me Shelley has qaulities that stood out when reading the memorial to her father,he will be missed by one and all.
Linda Wilhide (Quick)
March 27, 2001
Bruce, Shelly, Billy Ray and Shannon : I was so sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Smith. I have fond memories of living near you in Westminster and babysitting for you during the Colt games. I have often thought about you all and wondered how you have been. It sounds like you all have made wonderful achievements. I am married and have two wonderful daughters and a son-in-law. Keri, a teacher and Mark, a computer guru live in Nashville. Kristine is a mechanical engineer living near us. I have been in education for 20 years and my husband Paul is a project engineer at U. Of Md hospital. Please give my regards to your mother. God Bless you all!
Jen Clauss
March 27, 2001
I never met Mr. Smith, but after reading how his warm personality touched the lives of so many people, it isn't surprising to me why he had such wonderful children - especially my friend, Shelley Jo.
I am so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in the fact that the best qualities of your father live on through you and your family.
Bill & Francine Hannigan
March 27, 2001
It seems like yesterday, but it is hard to believe that about two years ago, that while visiting our daughter in Little Rock, I called Billy Ray. Being his nature, he wanted us to come over to enjoy Bar-B-Q. Our condolences to all the family and children on their loss of a loving husband, brother and father.
melvin monts
March 27, 2001
Sorry to here of the passing of your Dad
Billy Ray Smith, Jr.
March 27, 2001
On behalf of our family, I would like to say 'thanks' to the many people who have posted entries to Dad's guest book at legacy.com.
There will never be another man like Billy Ray Smith, Sr. , which is good news only to opposing offensive linemen.
Thanks again.
Tony Graham
March 27, 2001
My deepest condolences to the family of Billy Ray Smith. He provided me with very special moments not only as a Colts fan, but as a small kid attending the summer practices at Westminster, Billy Ray was always a hero to all the kids for his kindness and willingness to pose for pictures, to have us try to "tackle" him (it was somehow always easy for a kid to do this, but never an opponent), and for always taking the time to be a real hero to us. Thanks, Billy Ray and God Bless...we will never forget you.
Marvin Jaynes
March 26, 2001
Having been a Hog fan since the early 50's, it was my privilege to meet Billy Ray in Dallas when he was an Alex Brown rep. He had the unique ability to make his smallest client seem important. I am confident that he is in a better place and already in charge of an important function. God bless his family.
Cathy McConnell
March 26, 2001
I was never fortunate enough to have met this wonderful man, but he was a dear friend to my mother and stepfather. They told me of his quiet courage and dignity throughout his long illness. It has been a learning and inspiring experience for me.
I never saw him play football, but I imagine he did that with the same courage and dignity that I have heard about.
My sincere condolences go to his family and friends for their loss. My prayers shall be with them.
Al Fowler
March 26, 2001
Billy Ray was one of the greatest when it came to courage and heart. He was a great example of why the Baltimore Colts were Champions.
Roger Anderson
March 26, 2001
My sincerest condolences to the family of a fine gentleman and a great football player in every sense of the word. Thank you Mr Smith for the great memories you gave to all Baltimore Colt fans!!
Steve Rosenberg
March 25, 2001
Thanks for the memories Billy Ray, especially after that Eagles game in Philadelphia when you made that U of P student (me) feel special because you knew my Dad, Jerry.
Tom Ford
March 25, 2001
Our sincerst condolences to the
family and friends of Billy. we
have a lot of memories of the old
Colts. They where family.
Thanks a lot
Tom & Sue Ford
Patsy Coleman Gates
March 24, 2001
A loving farewell to my funny and unpredicable cousin and life long friend. I have such warm and wonderful memories of terrifying rides on the back of his motorcycle, Saturday night trips down the mountain to Fort Smith, hanging out at the Student Union, dancing at Rockwood and millions more. What a fine man he became; dedicated to God, a loving and devoted husband and father, a kind and generous friend. I was priviledged to know him. God bless you, Jenny, and the children.
W.Dennis Hand
March 24, 2001
Deepest sympathy for your loss,which is felt by those of us still remaining in your old neighborhood on Crosswood Ave in Baltimore.......W. Dennis Hand 4653 Harcourt Rd. Baltimore,MD. 21214
Jack Burke
March 24, 2001
My condolences to the family of "the Rabbit," Billy Ray Smith. Take care of the other fellas up there Billy Ray.
Fred Neil
March 24, 2001
Oh, Billy, thank you for the memories. You were special!
Fred Neil, WCBM, Producer of Colt Radio Broadcasts
Rickey Johnson
March 24, 2001
I am saddened to learn of the lost, of one of the truly great Baltimore Colts, unsung heroes-Billy Ray Smith, Sr. He, along with Big Daddy Liscomb, Alex Hawkins(Captain Who?), Art Donovan, etc., was one of the colorful and spirited characters, of the game.
Billy Ray Smith, Sr., and his Baltimore Colts teammates, help make the city of Baltimore, the giant in football that it had become and still is. It was through the efforts of football players, like Billy Ray Smith, Sr. that contributed to epitoming the NFL, with Baltimore.
Even though, we as a city, are blessed, to have Baltimore Colts legends such as John Unitas, Lenny Moore, Art Donovan, etc., live in our communities, we equally blessed for having people, such as Billy Ray,Sr., cross our paths and an indelible mark, on us football fans and the city, itself.
Thank you Billy Ray, Sr., for your contibutions, as an original Baltimore Colt, for your charisma, your high spirit and the way you play the game, of football.
May the continue, to bless the Smith family and keep them in his mist. Farewell Billy Ray Smith, Sr.! A Baltimore Colt Legend and true character of the game. Baltimoreans everywhere, now join the Smith family, in his passing, for we have lost one we claim, as our own. Peace be with you!
Charles Corbett
March 24, 2001
Condolences to the family from a long time Baltimore Colt fan.
Scott Smith
March 24, 2001
I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Smith, but my Father worked with him at White, Weld and their friendship continued through the years. I've heard numerous great 'BR' stories and I even have several of his 'Stephens Inc' ties. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Smith family for their tremendous loss. I know my Father lost a good friend.
Ralph & Nancy (Brickell) Mashburn
March 24, 2001
Billy Ray always had a friendly greeting for us in college and after we all retired back to Arkansas. We thank the Lord for his unique presence and close attention to our needs, whether it be for U of A football tickets or advice on any subject we mentioned. We'll miss him greatly.
roland grimm
March 24, 2001
thank you for all of the enjoyment and thrills that you provided to the city and fans for so many years. may god bless you and your family during this time
B Fischer
March 24, 2001
Baltimore will never forget one of its greatest. We'll always remember #74.
John Isaac
March 24, 2001
Billy Ray Smith captured the soul of Colt football fans for his giving all he had to a team and city that admired his grit, determination and zest for the game and the town. He was an unsung hero to many Colt fans and will always be fondly remembered. I hope his family knows how much he meant to many of us for his inspirational efforts on and off the field.
Kathryn Whitmore) Marino
March 24, 2001
Isend to The Billy Ray Smith Family
my deep sympathy. "B.E"(Whitmore)Supt. of AHS would have been so proud of his Accomplishments and putting Lil' Augusta on the map.
Affectionally, Andrew/Kathryn (Whitmore) Marino/ AHS class of '52
Bob Weaver
March 24, 2001
Thanks for the good times at White Weld.
TOM PUSEY
March 24, 2001
Thanks for all the great Colt memories, # 74
Frank Cap Jr
March 24, 2001
We colt fans will miss you. Thanks for the memories.
stan cooley
March 24, 2001
The Baltimore Colts were very lucky
to have Billy Ray as a player. We enjoyed watching him play.
howard coale
March 24, 2001
Thanks for the memories.
Dominick Loiacono
March 24, 2001
Money, Marbles and Chocolate, I can't stand to lose, was Mr. Smith's motto and I carried that same phrase throughout my life. Lord, you have taken one of my childhood heroes. I will miss you, Mr. Smith.
Ben Kaufman
March 24, 2001
I have fond childhood memories of Billy Ray as a great part of the Baltimore Colts. He provided pleasure for countless Baltimore football fans. Please accept my condolences on his passing, and take heart in all the great memories he has provided for all.
Thomas Barnes
March 24, 2001
My one memory of Billy Ray was a game played against the Detroit Lions. On this play there was a fumble, and pile of lineman going after the ball. Out of the pile, crawling toward the ball was Billy Ray. The Baltimore Colts were fortunate to have players like Billy Ray. He is a valued part of the Baltimore Colt history.
Thomas Barnes
Virginia, Sparks Pate
March 23, 2001
Growing up with Billy Ray Smith was lots of fun. He visited us in San Diego in 1971 and we will all miss him. With Sicere Sympathy to his family. Memories will keep the one you loved close to you in spirit and thoughts and always in your heart.
Herb Raver
March 23, 2001
I grew up watching Billy Ray play for the Great "Baltimore Colts" teams. A favorite of our family, we will miss him.
Frank Bannon
March 23, 2001
Thank You Billy Ray.You were one of the reasons why the Baltimre Colts were such a great Team.
John Gaston
March 23, 2001
Billy Ray is person that touched many lives. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to his family.
Richard Vulgaris
March 23, 2001
Billy Ray how you could play.seems like yestherday.God bless.what a team.go you Baltimore colts.
Randy Beard
March 23, 2001
Back in the 60's, Billy Ray was a childhood HERO of mine. He was one heck of a football player and i will always remember him for his great determination and Zest for Life. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY
Rogers Overbey
March 23, 2001
Jenny,
Marcia and I enjoyed being with you and Billy Ray following the Tenn. game two years ago.
Billy Ray and I were Freshmen together in 1953. He was a close and trusted friend. There were many many wonderful stories and he was the hero in most of them!!!
We will both miss him in a very profound way.
May God bless you and the family.
Rogers and Marcia Overbey
Lynn & Ava Simmons
March 23, 2001
We have fond memories of Billy Ray's visits here in McCrory & will always appreciate his helpfulness. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family.
Gerry Willse
March 23, 2001
Dear Family: I knew Biily Ray through my Dad who worked with him at Alex Brown. I've never forgotten how he helped me as a young Naval officer from Baltimore stationed in Oakland after missing 3 seasons of Colts football. Billy Ray "got me a ticket" by arranging for me to be the waterboy at an exhibition game in Oakland. The payback was I was to pretend to be the scrauney kid trying out for defensive end, played by Bubba Smith. He set up this skit and it worked great. He was a man who enjoyed life to the hilt. God bless him and his family.
ROBERT C GUTERMUTH
March 23, 2001
Baltimore no longer has the Colts, but the memories of Billy Ray and his teamates will live for ever in the hearts and minds of their fans. May God grant you eternal rest.
Roy Parker
March 23, 2001
Billy Ray Smith and his teammates put the Razorbacks on the map of college football in America. BR, thanks for who you are and what you are!
Dick and Mary Stockland
March 23, 2001
We have such fond memories of our time spent with BR and Jenny, both in business and for pleasure. What a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family as you endure this grief.
Rick & Charlene Volk
March 23, 2001
Dear Jenny & Family, Lots of great memories from another "old Colt". Rabbit was a true leader and great teammate. He will be greatly missed by his Baltimore Colt's family. With caring thoughts and prayers. Love, Rick & Char
cowboyjohn
March 23, 2001
Thank you, Billy Ray Smith. You'll always be a Baltimore Colt. Thanks for the memories. The Baltimore Colts forver!
Lorna Wortman
March 23, 2001
Condolences, you were a great football player.
Russell Watson
March 23, 2001
You were the greatest.
James Hazelip
March 23, 2001
I loved to watch you play. You will be missed.
Rocco Rotondo jr
March 23, 2001
billy ray was a great colt i will always remember how hard he played he is now with the other great colts who have gone before him.I am heart felt for his family.may the Lord bless him.
Jay Norris
March 23, 2001
God bless Billy Ray Smith's family. Billy Ray will always be a part of Baltimore's football family.
Don McCafferty
March 23, 2001
Condolences from the McCafferty family."Rabbit" was a true gentleman.You are in our prayers.
Glenn and Jean Rush
March 23, 2001
Billy Ray, Jr.
We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time and extend our sincerest condolences.
Jerry Ferguson
March 23, 2001
God bless the family of Billy Ray Smith. He will be missed.
I am honored to have been a teammate and friend.
Leo Mangini
March 23, 2001
Mr. Smith will be remembered as one of my favorite Colts. God bless him and his family.
Lee Schweitzer
March 23, 2001
Thanks for some GREAT football!
Paul Sunder
March 23, 2001
Mr. Smith provided many memories to a growing young man. He wasn't the biggest or fastest or strongest defensive lineman, but he had the biggest heart and drive. He provided me with the motivation to go out and make my high school football team. All the Baltimoreans of my generation will not forget him or his accomplishments as a Baltimore Colt.
Ross Klavans
March 23, 2001
God Bless Billy Ray Smith. He was a major part of the Colts defense I grew up admiring. He and his teammates brought me a lot of joy.
I will cherish Billy Ray's career on videotape and never forget him.
William Volk
March 23, 2001
He and all the Colt's were great players and made the NFL what it is today. They played for the team and the love of the game.
Rex & Dena Parnell
March 23, 2001
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families as we remember the times shared with both Billy Ray, Sr. and Billy Ray, Jr. and other family members. May you find our God's grace and strength to be yours today and in the future.
Fred Zimmerman, III
March 23, 2001
We watched Billy Ray try to shut out Dallas, and we often wondered if he really did recover "the fumble!"
Billy Ray was a true gentleman and friend, and he called on me at Republic National Bank in Dallas during the 1970s.
He made sure that I watched Billy Ray, Jr. play ball at Plano, when it was only a AAA school.
Donald & Rena Morgan
March 23, 2001
Our sincere condolences to the Billy Ray Smith Sr. family. (AHS 1950) (AHS 1955)
Tommy & Sharon Stanley
March 23, 2001
"Big" BR was a dear friend of myself and Sharon, and I will always have fond memories of Billy Ray and Dr. Willie Harris playing golf at the CCLR 4-Ball tournment. For years Perry Galloway and I were teamed up with them for the first day of play.
Billy Ray will be missed by all of us who knew him.
Byron Thomas
March 23, 2001
Love to the family. Billy Ray Smith was one of my childhood heros and an icon for Baltimore football. We in Baltimore will miss him greatly.
Barbara Coleman
March 23, 2001
My knowledge of Billy Ray Smith,Sr. are the times I sat with my Dad ,
Hayden Toler, and watched his football magic. He will be truly missed by all. He was one of footballs' greatest. Barbara Coleman
Lloyd Wiggs
March 23, 2001
When Mr. Smith played high school football at Augusta, our Cotton Plant High School team would play Augusta with great anticipation. Mr. Smith was a great player and we followed his career throughout. We were all proud of him when at the University and during his Baltimore Colt days. Remember, Christians never have to say goodbye.
Robert Ballard
March 23, 2001
Billy Ray Smith was one of my hero's growing up in Baltimore. A great football player ,team member and most of all a wonderful human Being. I will miss him.
Bill Fritsch
March 23, 2001
One of the many great Baltimore Colts players. Will be fondly remembered for his true grit on the gridiron. One of my favorite players. My condolences to his family. He will not be forgotten.
Stacy Stafford Langley
March 23, 2001
I got to visit with Billy Ray several times at my grandmothers
house(Dorothy Jennings) he was
a funny man. He had a lot of stories
to tell. He will be missed.
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