How did Terry Funk die? WWE legend, 79, spent final days battling poor health in a 'nursing home'
AMARILLO, TEXAS: WWE Hall of Famer 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 wrestling legend was reported to be in bad health for quite some time. Timothy Beal confirmed to CBS News that Terry was "in a nursing home" in his final days.
Terry was moved into an assisted living facility in 2021 after being diagnosed with dementia in June.
Terry died on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.
WWE star Mick Foley calls Terry Funk 'greatest wrestler'
Terry's fellow WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Mick Foley penned a heartfelt note on the death of the wrestling legend.
He paid tribute to his dear friend by calling him "the greatest wrestler ever." Mick shared a photo with Terry on Instagram. The caption read, "WE JUST LOST A LEGEND."
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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."
He 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 for 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 went on to say, "I will be writing much more about Terry in the next few days."
The fellow wrestler ended his note with 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."
WWE shared the news of Terry Funk's death on Twitter.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2023
WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/1elQq5ZkDn
Terry Funk bagged several championships in wrestling career
Born on June 30, 1994, the professional wrestler Terry was renowned in the industry for the longevity of his career. Being the son of Dory Funk, a professional wrestler, Terry followed the same career path.
Terry's wrestling career spanned more than 50 years and even had some short-lived retirements in between.
The championships held by Terry included the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship, the WWF World Tag Team Championship, and the ECW World Television Championship.
The Funker still has his branding iron just in case he needs to use it again! pic.twitter.com/KlTc8meKAt
— Terry Funk (@TheDirtyFunker) October 22, 2020
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 and 2 years ago was included in the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Besides the Hall of Fame, Terry won several other titles, including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) heavyweight championship in 1975 and two times Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) titles, 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 Famer Terry Funk?
Terry Funk was born in Hammond, Indiana. His family relocated to Amarillo, Texas after World War II.
Known as Dory Jr, Terry grew up learning the 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 legendary 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.