Texas Tech University lost one of its biggest fans and supporters. On April 3rd 2022, Billy Roy Smith tragically lost his life in a bicycle accident. Billy was an ex-Raider Red, Saddle Tramps Alumni, and Texas Tech Cheer Alumni. Billy has remained Texas Tech's biggest cheerleader for his entire life. He has dedicated over 40 years of his life to continuous service and support of the Texas Tech Spirit Program and Texas Tech Athletics.

Billy was one of the most present and loudest supporters at all Texas Tech athletics events. You were sure to catch him on any live broadcast leading a RAIDER POWER chant or cheering our crowd on to lift our spirits when the score was not in our favor. 

His history of service to this university could fill a book, but I will focus on his most recent project. Billy had a goal to put a statue of Raider Red on the Texas Tech campus by Raider Red's 50th birthday (2021). He was told no by everyone he went to. If anyone knew Billy like I did, he never took no for an answer if he believed the cause was just. Once he got passionate about something he would put everything he had into it until it was accomplished.
Billy has worked passionately on this project for the last 7 years and anyone that talked to him during that time knew all about it. Through fundraising, direct marketing, and his 107 Steps to Victory campaign we finally achieved full funding of the statue at the beginning of 2022. The statue will be commenced on campus by the Frazier Alumni Pavilion this October of 2022. 

This project would have never reached its goal without the hard work and commitment of Billy Smith. Billy dedicated his time, energy, and money into this because he believed the Raider Red program deserved the recognition and respect that it has earned over the last 50 years. Even though Billy did not do this for fame or recognition, I believe that he deserves it for everything he has sacrificed for this university. 

This petition is to get a plaque added next to the upcoming Raider Red statue to commemorate Billy's life of service and support of Texas Tech University, Texas Tech Athletics, and the Texas Tech Spirit Program.

NOTE: please consider a memorial gift supporting the Billy Smith Spirit Leaders Scholarship at Texas Tech University via https://give.ttu.edu/smith-spirit or call 806-742-2211.