A great one is gone

Key Points:

• Legendary professional wrestler Dory Funk Jr., a longtime resident of Ocala, passed away on August 4 under hospice care, his partner Marti Funk confirmed.
• Dory Funk Jr. was celebrated for his in-ring achievements, including induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 and holding multiple heavyweight championships, as well as for mentoring many contemporary wrestling stars through the Funking Conservatory in Ocala.
• Born in 1941, Dory began his wrestling career in 1963 after college football and had a significant international presence, especially in Japan, where his championship belt and hall of fame ring are displayed.
• He was part of the renowned Funk wrestling family, with his father Dory Funk Sr. and brother Terry Funk, who passed away in 2023, all being influential figures in professional wrestling history.
• A private ceremony will be held to honor Dory Funk Jr., with a public memorial planned for Thanksgiving Day to celebrate his life and legacy alongside his brother Terry and notable Japanese associates.