Jerry Oates obit

Pro Wrestling Legend Jerry Oates Passes Away At Age 81

 He was not on the list.

The pro wrestling world has lost another legend.

On Saturday morning, Cauliflower Alley Club announced via social media the unfortunate news regarding the passing of former pro wrestling star Jerry Oates.

Oates, who held the Central States and Pacific Northwest Championships along with a number of territory tag team championships while teaming with Ronnie Garvin and Jesse Ventura during his career, was 81 years of age at the time of his passing.

The family of Jerry Oates released a statement to Cauliflower Alley Club, which was posted via their official Facebook page on 9/5 (see post below).

“Family Statement on the Passing of Jerry Oates,” the header of the statement began. “It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jerry Oates announces his passing.”

The statement then went into a brief summary of Oates upbringing and journey in the world of pro wrestling.

“Born in Columbus, Georgia, Jerry lived a full and impactful life marked by his passion for professional wrestling, fitness, and service to his community,” the statement continued. “From 1970 to 2010, he enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional wrestler. He owned and operated the Oates Gym, a cornerstone of the Columbus fitness community for more than two decades. He also promoted bodybuilding and wrestling events and later served as a deputy with the Tybee Island Police Department and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. Jerry touched countless lives through his strength, generosity, and enduring spirit.”

It was also announced that a memorial service will be held for the late Jerry Oates on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The CAC mourns the passing of professional wrestling great Jerry Oates at the age of 81.

A true craftsman of the ring, Jerry was respected not just for his toughness and skill, but for the professionalism and pride he brought to the business every single night. He helped shape an era and earned the admiration of fans and peers alike through hard work, grit, and authenticity.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched. His legacy will live on in the stories, the memories, and the impact he made on professional wrestling.

Rest in peace, Jerry Oates.

His formal obituary states that Oates died September 4, one day before his 79th birthday. He was born September 5, 1947, in Columbus.

Oates entered professional wrestling in 1970 after training under his brother-in-law, Dick Steinborn. Much of his career came during the territorial era, with stops in Georgia, Central States and the Pacific Northwest, as well tours of Japan, primarily for All Japan Pro Wrestling.

He frequently teamed with his brother Ted Oates. The Oates Brothers won the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship and captured All Japan’s All Asia Tag Team Championship in October 1976, defeating Great Kojika & Motoshi Okuma in Tokyo.

He held singles championships in Central States and Portland, teamed with Jesse Ventura to win the Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship, and partnered with Ronnie Garvin in Georgia.

One of Oates’ most notable title victories came on July 4, 1984, when he and Garvin defeated The Road Warriors for the NWA National Tag Team Championship in Columbus.

Oates also had a small but notable place in one of the pivotal business developments of the 1980s. He was a minority shareholder in Georgia Championship Wrestling and joined Jack & Jerry Brisco and Paul Jones in selling their stock to Vince McMahon.

That transaction gave McMahon control of the promotion and its WTBS television slot, leading to the July 14, 1984 broadcast that became known as “Black Saturday.”

Away from his own in-ring career, Oates helped train wrestlers including Marty Jannetty and remained involved in promoting wrestling around Columbus.

A memorial service will be held at Evangel Church in Columbus on Saturday, September 12. Les Thatcher and Von Hardin will host the service, with Bobby Simmons officiating.