Remembering Billy Mears: A Friend, a Writer, a Photographer and a Dynamo Devotee
In the world of soccer journalism, you encounter passionate fans and dedicated writers, but every so often, you’re blessed with someone truly exceptional. Billy Mears was just that: an exceptional friend, an unwavering Houston soccer supporter, and a colleague who made his mark on all of us at Bayou City Soccer.
Billy didn’t just cover the Dynamo and Dash; he celebrated them. From the highs of exhilarating goals to the lows of tough losses, he saw each moment as a part of the team’s larger story. With every article, every picture, and every post-game reflection, Billy had a way of drawing people into the world of soccer. He didn’t write just to inform; he wrote to share the joy, the frustrations, and the beauty of the game with a fanbase he believed deserved nothing but the best. Life kept him busy and away from Shell Energy Stadium most of the 2024 season, but Billy would make the trip from the Woodlands to downtown every time he could, even if he was just able to stay for half the game and return home to be ready for work in the morning.
Beyond the pitch, Billy was a friend like no other. He had a knack for brightening the room, whether with a quick laugh, an inside joke, or simply his warm presence. Billy would hit you with some of the best and funniest puns ever heard, and we will forever hear him say “Fan-Freaking-Tastic!” the rest of our time on earth. Covering the Dynamo alongside him was never just about the work; it was about the camaraderie, the shared moments, and the memories we created together. He brought his whole heart to every game, every shared meal together. There’s a comfort in being around someone who cares deeply about what you care about, and Billy had that gift.
We will all miss him dearly—the way he’d analyze plays with an almost obsessive precision, his excitement over young players’ potential, his pride when the team won, and his resilience when they didn’t. Houston Dynamo games will never feel the same without Billy. He was one of the rare people who reminded us why we fell in love with soccer in the first place.
Billy was one of our first photographers, back when we were still Dynamo Theory. As we added more photographers to our staff and moved to Bayou City Soccer, Billy took great pride in showing them the ropes and offering any advice and help he could. One thing that will always stand out about Billy and his passion for soccer in Houston was his joy in getting people to come to games. Multiple times over the past few years he has reached out to others to get blocks of tickets and give them to people who wanted to go to games or to charities to help spread kindness. These are just a few examples of the kind of person Billy was.
As we continue to cover the team, we do so in honor of Billy’s memory, knowing he’s still there with us in spirit. Billy, you were not only a colleague but a friend, a mentor, and a truly good soul. The press box and the soccer community won’t be the same without you, but we’ll carry forward everything you taught us, in each word, each game, and each story we tell. We’d like to leave you all with a small gallery of some of Billy’s work, a sampling of photos from a match against LAFC in 2022.
PS: If you’re struggling, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. There are people ready to support you, including friends, family members, and trusted colleagues who can offer a listening ear. Professional resources like counselors, therapists, and support groups are also available to provide guidance and tools to help you cope. Reaching out may feel daunting, but those around you often want to help, even if they don’t know exactly how. Taking that first step to connect with someone can be a powerful move toward healing and finding the support you deserve.
