Bill 'Cody' Smith

Bill 'Cody' Smith, 83, peacefully passed away on June 1, 2025, in Thermopolis, Wyo. Bill lived a legendary life. From humble beginnings in Bearcreek, Mont., where he was born on June 28, 1941, Bill rose to rodeo greatness-winning three Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Saddle Bronc Riding World Championships (1969, 1971, and 1973) and qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo thirteen times.

His achievements and accolades in the rodeo world are numerous. Bill's impact on the sport of rodeo was profound. He was inducted into the PRCA's inaugural Hall of Fame class and recognized in numerous others, including the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, Montana Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame, Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Hot Springs County Hall of Fame. Among his many accolades, Bill received the prestigious Ben Johnson Award from the National Rodeo Hall of Fame. He was also a Gold Card member and served on the PRCA Board of Directors, continuing to shape the sport he loved. Bill attributed much of his success and fulfillment in life to the sport of rodeo. What Bill loved most about rodeo were the horses that buck!

Following his esteemed rodeo career, Bill continued to pursue one of his greatest passions-horses-becoming a renowned horseman and a guiding mentor to many aspiring to follow in his footsteps. The only thing Bill loved more than horses was his girl Carole, as he affectionately called her. Together, Bill and Carole built their dream, the WYO Quarter Horse Ranch in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Just one trip over the notorious hill leading to the ranch revealed the 'never take the easy road' spirit that Bill embodied. Over the years, Bill and Carole produced thirty-nine sales showcasing the horses of the WYO Quarter Horse Ranch family-a legacy built on quality, dedication, and a shared passion for the western way of life.

Bill loved the Beartooth Mountains, and for the past 70 summers, you could find him at the front of a long pack string, a wide grin on his face as he headed up the trail to camp. Some of his best trips were those he took on the back of his favorite buckskin horse, Nick. The time in those mountains was sacred-shared with friends, family, and horses. Laughter from an intensely competitive game of Hearts or Pinochle could often be heard from the cook tent, with dish duty hanging in the balance.

Bill's story wouldn't be complete without a nod to Decent. Bill revered Decent as one of the greatest bucking horses he ever knew. The record between Bill and Decent was a close one: five rides, four buck-offs. But in true Bill fashion, he was known to say that by the fifth ride, Decent was getting up there in age-so he wasn't sure it should count. He'd just call it a draw.

Years later, long after both had retired, they had a chance encounter at the PRCA Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. As Bill and Carole approached Decent's pen, the old bronc stood in the corner, true to his typically standoffish nature. But as they watched, Decent slowly made his way over to Bill. When Bill reached out to pet him, Decent accepted. Their quiet reunion was a testament to their bond and Bill's deep, natural connection with horses.

Bill was a valiant yet humble man-larger than life-and determined to make those lucky enough to be around him feel the same. He was a masterful storyteller, an avalanche survivor, and a bucking horse rider. His legacy lives on in the horses he raised, the horsemen and saddle bronc riders he inspired, and the countless lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen H. and Edna M. Smith; father-in-law, Jim O'Rourke; mother-in-law, Phyllis O'Rourke; sister, Eileen Smith; brothers-in-law, Russell Reid and Jim Fike; nephew, Tom Wipplinger; and niece, Lori Coy.

He is survived by his wife, Carole Smith; siblings, Barbara Reid of Cody, Wyo., Chuck Smith of Billings, Mont., Diane Fike of Lander, Wyo., Jim Smith of Sheridan, Wyo., and Rick (Lynn) Smith of Douglas, Ariz.; and by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kathy (Clyde) Funk of Livingston, Mont., Craig (Barbara) O'Rourke of Worland, Wyo., and John (Laurel) O'Rourke of Sheridan, Mont.. Additionally, he is survived by Bill and Carole's devoted nephew, Reid (Jenn) O'Rourke of Thermopolis, Wyoming, along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and even great-great-nieces and nephews-each of whom brought joy to his life.

A celebration of life will be held in conjunction with the Cody Bill Classic Bronc Match on July 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. in Cody, Wyo., at the Cody Stampede Rodeo Grounds.