Terry Funk passes away at 79 years old
One of the most beloved professional wrestlers of all time has died.
Terry Funk passed away today at 79 years old.
Mick Foley wrote on social media that the news was confirmed to him by Funk’s daughter Brandee.
“Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news,” Foley wrote. “He was my mentor, my idol, one of (my) closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw.”
“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. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend – it was an honor to know you,” he continued.
The wrestling world has been paying tribute to Funk in the wake of news of his passing:
https://twitter.com/foleyispod/status/1694446031952331209
In My Entire Life, I’ve Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder. Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend! Rest In Peace My Friend Terry Funk Knowing That No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/EYMAKOzxnx
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 23, 2023
#RIP Terry Funk
Not only were you the most amazing pro wrestler ever, you were the most incredible human being. Godspeed, Funker ❤️ My thoughts are with your family, friends & fans. You’ll be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/DaIpIp3Ass
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 23, 2023
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.
WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/1elQq5ZkDn
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2023
Just heard that Terry Funk is gone. Truly heartbroken over this. He has known me since I was a child. He was an incredible mentor and friend. Love him so much and sad to see him go. I know he is no longer in pain and has probably rekindled his war with Pops in heaven. Rest easy…
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) August 23, 2023
Normally I don’t like to post about someone’s passing. Terry Funk will always be absolute legend!
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) August 23, 2023
Considered one of the greatest workers and on interviews in wrestling history, Funk was inducted into the inaugural Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2009.
Funk has been honored by numerous other wrestling organizations as well including The Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame (1995), WCW Hall of Fame (1995), NWA Hall of Fame (2009), and the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame (2010).
Funk also was given the Iron Mike Mazurki Award by the Cauliflower Alley Club in 2005 and The Hardcore Hall of Fame that same year. He was inducted into the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2021
He also received The Tokyo Sports Lifetime Achievement Award in 1983.
