Dory Funk Jr. Passes Away
The passing of Dory Funk Jr.
Multi-time champion and world-traveled wrestler Dory Funk Jr. has passed away. The news of his passing was shared by the Ocala Gazette.
The following is an excerpt from the write-up:
“Talk about a punch to the gut—that’s how I felt when Marti Funk called me today to let me know the legendary Dory Funk Jr. had passed away.
Dory, of course, is world famous. But the native Texan has lived in Ocala so long that we claim him as one of our own.
Earlier this year, the “Ocala Gazette” wrote about Dory getting ready to celebrate his 85th birthday on Feb. 3 and learned from the couple how they met and more. According to Marti, he passed away under hospice care, today, Aug. 4. The two were “sweethearts” for 46 years and were married for 40.”
B. Brian Blair of The Killer Bees posted a message about Funk Jr.’s passing.
“It’s hard to find the right words to say goodbye to a man who became a mentor, a leader, and a dear friend, Dory Funk Jr. My love for him started all the way back as a kid at the Bayfront Center, booing him as the ultimate heel while he took on my hero Jack Brisco. He was an absolute legend who commanded respect just by being himself. My heart goes out to his wife, Marti, and his family. You will be deeply missed, Dory. I know God is welcoming you with open arms. Rest easy until we meet again. 🙏✝️❤️”
It’s hard to find the right words to say goodbye to a man who became a mentor, a leader, and a dear friend, Dory Funk Jr. My love for him started all the way back as a kid at the Bayfront Center, booing him as the ultimate heel while he took on my hero Jack Brisco. He was an… pic.twitter.com/2kClxA4Yxb
— B Brian Blair 🇺🇸 (@Killerbee1B) August 4, 2026
Funk Jr. was active in the ring from 1963 until 2018. He made his way through the NWA, All Japan Pro Wrestling, ECW, and New Japan, among other promotions and companies.
He last wrestled in 2024 in an explosion hardcore match for Atsushi Onita’s FMW-E promotion.
Dory Funk Sr. passed away in 1973, and Jr.’s brother, the legendary Terry Funk, passed away in August 2023.
Fightful would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Dory Funk Jr.
