AMARILLO, TEXAS: WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Terry Funk died at the age of 79. Terry's death did not come as a sudden news to his close ones.
The cause of death was not immediately revealed, but the hardcore wrestling legend was reported to in bad health for quite some time. Timothy Beal confirmed to CBS News that Terry was "in a nursing home" because of bad health.
Terry was moved into assisted living facility in 2021 after being diagnosed with dementia in June. Leaving behind wrestling, he moved back home.
Terry died on Wenesday, August 23, 2023.
WWE Hall of Fame fellow wrestler Mick Foley pays tribute to Terry Funk, calling him 'greatest wrestler I ever saw'
Terry's fellow WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Mick Foley penned heartfelt note on the death of wrestling legend.
He paid tribute to his dear friend by dubbing him "the greatest wrestler ever." Mick shared a photo with Terry on Instagram, informing the grave news, "WE JUST LOST A LEGEND."
Mick added, "Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, and one of my closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw."
His note continued, If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many. There will never be another like him."
Mick asked blessings for Terry and his family, "May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend - it was an honor to know you. #RIPTerryFunk."
Mick further claimed, "I will be writing much more about Terry in the next few days."
The fellow wrestler ended his note on a sweet edit, saying, "Terry’s daughters, Brandee and Stacy, have asked me to express how much they appreciate the love and support you have given him over the years."
Terry Funk bagged several championship in wrestling career
Born on June 30, 1994 the professional wrester Terry was renowned in the industry for the longevity of his career. Being the son of Dory Funk, a professional wrestler, Terry follower the same career path.
Terry's wrestling career spanned for more than 50 years and even had some short-lived retirements in between.
Championships held by Terry included ECW World Heavyweight Championship, NWA World Heavyweight Championship, USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship, WWF World Tag Team Championship, and ECW World Television Championship.
He was inducted in WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 and 2 years ago was included in International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Besides Hall of Fame, Terry won several other titles, including National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) heavyweight championship in 1975 and twi times Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) title, in 1993 and in 1997.
He has been inducted into WWE, NWA, WCW, and Hardcore.
Terry was also featured in numerous films like 'Road House,' 'Beyond the Mat,' 'Paradise Alley,' 'The Ringer,' and 'Over the Top.'
After wrestling for almost 52 years, Terry's final match came in 2017.
Who was WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Terry Funk?
Terry Funk was an Hammond, Indiana born. After the end of World War II his family relocated to Amrillo, Texas.
Known as Dory Jr., Terry grew up learning wrestling business. After high school, the legend went to West Texas State University. There he competed in wrestling and football games.
Terry kicked off his wrestling career in 1965.
The legend wrestler's debut match was with Sputnik Monroe.
Terry was married on August 14, 1965 to Vicky Ann. They together had 2 daughters, Stacy and Brandee. His wife died in 2019.
