Professional Wrestler. Aurelian Smith was known by many ring names, but he was best recognized as "Grizzly Smith". He made his wrestling debut in 1958 in Texas, where he also worked in an oilfield. During his time there he formed a tag team with Luke Brown called "The Kentuckians"; together they gained the NWA (Georgia) Tag Team Championships. That was the first of many titles he would win throughout his 23 years in the ring. When he retired from active wrestling he worked with promoters Jack Curtis, Bill Watts and George Culkin. Smith had four children, three of whom followed him into the wrestling business: Aurelian Smith, Jr. (professional name "Jake 'The Snake' Roberts"); Michael Smith ("Sam Houston") and Robin Smith ("Rockin' Robin"). He also had a daughter who was kidnapped and murdered at the age of 18. When he completely left the world of wrestling he went to Louisiana to live with his son Michael, where he took a job as a maintenance worker for a local cemetery. In 2005 when hurricane Katrina hit they lost their home and just about all they had. Afterwards he went to live with family members in Amarillo, Texas, where he died from complications of Alzheimers disease. During his career Smith earned seven tag team titles with different partners and was a two-time Heavyweight Champion.
Professional Wrestler. Aurelian Smith was known by many ring names, but he was best recognized as "Grizzly Smith". He made his wrestling debut in 1958 in Texas, where he also worked in an oilfield. During his time there he formed a tag team with Luke Brown called "The Kentuckians"; together they gained the NWA (Georgia) Tag Team Championships. That was the first of many titles he would win throughout his 23 years in the ring. When he retired from active wrestling he worked with promoters Jack Curtis, Bill Watts and George Culkin. Smith had four children, three of whom followed him into the wrestling business: Aurelian Smith, Jr. (professional name "Jake 'The Snake' Roberts"); Michael Smith ("Sam Houston") and Robin Smith ("Rockin' Robin"). He also had a daughter who was kidnapped and murdered at the age of 18. When he completely left the world of wrestling he went to Louisiana to live with his son Michael, where he took a job as a maintenance worker for a local cemetery. In 2005 when hurricane Katrina hit they lost their home and just about all they had. Afterwards he went to live with family members in Amarillo, Texas, where he died from complications of Alzheimers disease. During his career Smith earned seven tag team titles with different partners and was a two-time Heavyweight Champion.
Bio by: Hilda Duell
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FATHER OF
JAKE "THE SNAKE". JEANIE GRACE. JO LYNN.
RICHARD. MIKE AND ROBBIN
Family Members
Children
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