Wrestling Icon Jerry Oates, Who Traded the Ring for a Badge and His Faith, Dies at 81

Jerry Oates, a professional wrestler who spent four decades in the ring and later served in Georgia law enforcement, has died at 81, his family announced Friday, September 4.

Oates wrestled professionally from 1970 to 2010, becoming a respected figure of the territorial wrestling era. He was trained by his brother-in-law, Dick Steinborn, and teamed with his brother Ted across a number of NWA territories as well as All Japan Pro Wrestling. He held a number of championships during his career, including the Central States and Pacific Northwest Championships, the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship, All Japan Pro Wrestling's All Asian Tag Team Championship with his brother Ted, the NWA National Tag Team Championship with Ronnie Garvin, and the Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship with Jesse Ventura. 

Alongside his late wife, Kathy, Oates owned and operated Oates Gym in Columbus, Georgia, for more than two decades - a business his family's statement called a cornerstone of the local fitness community. After retiring from wrestling, he also trained the next generation of wrestlers, including J-Rod, AJ Steele, Marty Jannetty, Randy Hogan, Tom Ivy, and Craig Brown. 

Outside the ring, Oates went on to serve as a deputy with the Tybee Island Police Department and later as a bailiff with the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office. His obituary states plainly that "he was a Christian by faith."

Tributes poured in from fans and peers, with the Cauliflower Alley Club calling him "a true craftsman of the ring" who "helped shape an era." A memorial service will be held at Evangel Church in Columbus on Saturday, September 12, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior.