Former Kentucky basketball player Bill Smith dies at age 87

Some sad news for the Big Blue Nation was revealed earlier this week. Bill Smith, who was a member of Kentucky men’s basketball’s 1958 national championship team, passed away on Monday, July 10 at the age of 87. The University of Kentucky announced the news this past Wednesday.

Born William “Bill” Ronald Smith on Feb. 17, 1936, as the son of James Scott and Beulah Roberts Smith, the former Wildcat graduated from northern Kentucky’s Walton-Verona High School in 1953 and went on to suit up for the Kentucky men’s basketball team. He appeared in 24 varsity games across three seasons (1955-58) under legendary head coach Adolph Rupp, totaling 33 points and 34 rebounds throughout his college career.

Smith’s best individual performance came as a sophomore on Feb. 26, 1958, when he recorded 10 points in a dominant 143-66 win against Georgia. He saw action in five games during Kentucky’s 1957-58 national championship season, appearing in two NCAA Tournament games along the way against Miami (OH) and Notre Dame.

“That was probably the best four years of my life,” Smith, a 6-foot-5 forward, said in a 2016 article from the Cincinnati Enquirer. “It taught me that if you work hard, you could accomplish anything.”

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Smith.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/rmKxLb8YxE

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 19, 2023

Following his graduation from UK in 1958, Smith went on to a career as a high school teacher and basketball coach. He would later spend over 30 years at Owen County Rural Electric before his retirement. Up until his death, Smith was still an avid fan of Kentucky basketball and a season ticket holder at Rupp Arena.

Smith is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley, his three children, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He and Shirley met in high school and were married in 1957 ahead of Smith’s senior season at UK. Smith was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Wayne Smith, and grandson, David Willoughby.

A cremation is set to take place and there is currently no service planned at this time. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with Bill’s family through the link here.