Dory Funk Jr., a member of one of professional wrestling's most famous families and a longtime Amarillo wrestling icon, has died at the age of 85.
Few wrestlers earned the respect that followed Funk throughout a career that lasted more than five decades. Whether competing as a singles star, teaming with his younger brother Terry or later training the next generation of talent, Funk's reputation was built on toughness, technical skill and a lifelong commitment to the business.
That journey started early under the watchful eye of his father, Dory Funk Sr., a successful wrestler and promoter who became his son's first coach and biggest influence.
"As a kid, I used to dream I could do all the things my father could do. I wanted to be just like him," Funk said during a 2007 interview with WWE.
Alongside Terry, Funk became one-half of the legendary Funk Brothers, a team that found success around the world. He also carved out an accomplished singles career, highlighted by a four-year reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Only Lou Thesz held the title longer.
Funk wrestled throughout the United States and Japan while also promoting events in both countries. His career eventually took him to WWE, where he and Terry defeated Tito Santana and Junkyard Dog at WrestleMania 2. In 2009, the brothers were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by longtime friend Dusty Rhodes.
His influence didn't end when his days as a full-time competitor slowed down.
Following in his father's footsteps, Funk opened the Funking Conservatory with his wife, Marti, whom he married in 1989. The school became a training ground for future stars, including Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, The Hardy Boyz, Mark Henry and Mickie James.
While wrestling took him around the globe, Funk never lost his ties to the Texas Panhandle. He was inducted into the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame and the West Texas A&M University Hall of Champions, recognition of both his remarkable career and his place in the region's sports history.
