Billy Ray Smith Jr., a standout linebacker for the San Diego Chargers and a College Football Hall of Famer, died Wednesday at the age of 64. His family announced his death, stating he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a "long journey with dementia caused by CTE."

"Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength," his family said in a statement. "Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend."

Smith was a celebrated player at the University of Arkansas, where he earned All-American honors in 1981 and 1982. He served as team captain in 1982, leading the Razorbacks to a 9-2-1 record. During his college career, he accumulated 299 tackles, including 63 for a loss.

The San Diego Chargers selected Smith with the fifth overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, making him the first defensive player chosen in that year's class. He played his entire 10-year NFL career with the Chargers.

During his NFL tenure, Smith recorded a career-high 11 sacks in 1986 and forced four fumbles. The following season, he intercepted a career-high five passes despite playing only 12 games due to the NFL Players’ strike. In 1989, he was named Second-Team All-Pro.

Smith also had a memorable moment in a 1985 exhibition game against the New Orleans Saints when he kicked a game-winning field goal. With the team's regular kickers sidelined by groin injuries, Smith, who had not kicked since high school, made a field goal with four seconds remaining. The kick was nullified due to tape on his shoe, but he successfully kicked another with no time left on the clock, securing a 21-20 victory.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Smith was involved in his community, co-founding the after-school program "Bates Street" for local children. He met his wife, Kimberly Hunt, an ABC 10News anchor, during a United Cerebral Palsy telethon.

After retiring from football, Smith transitioned into sports broadcasting, becoming a fixture on San Diego television and radio.

His collegiate accolades include being named to the Arkansas All-Decade Team and the Arkansas All-Century Team. He was also enshrined in the Arkansas State Hall of Fame and the Razorback Hall of Honor. In 2000, he became the sixth Razorback player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

In 2009, Smith was recognized as one of the 50 greatest players in Chargers history by fans and the team's Hall of Fame.

"Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here," said Chargers owner Dean Spanos. "But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into. Infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray."

Spanos added, "When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone." He continued, "Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in need. And we all loved him back." He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and daughter, Savannah.