Tributes have been paid to former Cumnock Academy janitor — and Ayrshire football legend- Billy ‘Bongo’ Smith, who has died aged 79.
Billy starred for the likes of Cumnock Juniors, Sheffield United and Preston North End during his playing career.
But when it came the time to hang up his boots, Billy returned to his native Ayrshire to take janitor duties at Cumnock Academy , where, as a pupil, he captained the side to Ayrshire Cup glory.
Famed for being one of Cumnock’s notable characters, Billy was a highly popular figure with pupils and staff alike, during his 30 years of sterling service with the school.
In 2006, he was honoured with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition for his services to education.
At the time Billy, who also coached in the Ayr United youth set-up, joked: “I’m certainly not getting the MBE for services to football!”
In 2009, Billy welcomed then Scotland boss — and former Ayr United gaffer — George Burley, himself a Cumnock lad, to Cumnock Academy as Burley made an emotional return to his former school.
Football was clearly still dear to Billy as in 2019, he visited Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise to take part in his first ever session of Walking Football.
And the one time Lugar Primary School pupil still had some of the old magic touches that made him a class act, helping himself to two debut goals on the day.
Throughout his life he also scouted and coached Ayr United's youth teams.
Speaking of his 29 year association with Ayr United, Billy said: “I’ve dealt with the youth set up at the club from S-form boys right through to coaching the under 18s.”
A statement from Cumnock Juniors read: “It is with profound sadness that Billy ‘Bongo’ Smith MBE has passed away.
“Billy was a club legend and will be sorely missed by everyone at the club.
“Our thoughts are with Eppie and the family at this sad time. RIP Billy.”
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