Professional Wrestler. Born in Gurdon, Arkansas, he was a pioneer African-American bodybuilder and professional wrestler. After Merchant Marine service, he started to tour the USA with other bodybuilders and was dubbed "Sailor" Thomas. He debuted as a pro wrestler in 1943 and for the next four decades, he was one of only a few African-American pro wrestling stars. In his career, he was NWA International Tag Team Championship three times, NWA Heavyweight Texas Championship two times and the WWA World Heavyweight Champion once. He retired in 1981 and passed from cancer in 2003 at the age of 79. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.
Professional Wrestler. Born in Gurdon, Arkansas, he was a pioneer African-American bodybuilder and professional wrestler. After Merchant Marine service, he started to tour the USA with other bodybuilders and was dubbed "Sailor" Thomas. He debuted as a pro wrestler in 1943 and for the next four decades, he was one of only a few African-American pro wrestling stars. In his career, he was NWA International Tag Team Championship three times, NWA Heavyweight Texas Championship two times and the WWA World Heavyweight Champion once. He retired in 1981 and passed from cancer in 2003 at the age of 79. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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US Navy World War II Sailor
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