Jerry Oates, a longtime wrestler, promoter, trainer, and familiar name from the territory era, died September 4 at age 78.
Oates was born September 5, 1947, in Columbus, Georgia. His family announced his death through Oates Gym, the fitness center he operated in Columbus for more than two decades. A cause of death was not disclosed.
He entered professional wrestling in 1970 after being trained by his brother-in-law, Dick Steinborn. Oates spent much of his career moving through the National Wrestling Alliance territories, including Georgia, Central States, and the Pacific Northwest. He also made eight tours of Japan, primarily for All Japan Pro Wrestling.
Oates frequently teamed with his brother Ted Oates. Together, the Oates Brothers won the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship and captured All Japan’s All Asia Tag Team Championship in 1976. Jerry Oates also held championships as a singles wrestler and teamed with wrestlers including Ronnie Garvin, Jesse Ventura, and Mike George during different stops in his career.
His wrestling career extended beyond his work in the ring.
Oates became a promoter and was involved with wrestling in his hometown of Columbus for years. He later promoted Great Championship Wrestling and helped train wrestlers, including Marty Jannetty.
He and his late wife, Kathy, also owned Oates Gym from 1979 to 2002. The gym became a fixture in the Columbus fitness community, while Oates promoted the Southeastern Bodybuilding Championships during the 1980s and into the 1990s.
Oates remained involved in professional wrestling for decades. His career ran from 1970 through 2010, giving him a connection to the business that stretched from the height of the territory system into a much different wrestling world.
Outside wrestling, Oates served as a deputy with the Tybee Island Police Department and later as a bailiff with the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.
Oates is survived by his son, Bo; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; his brother, Ted; and his sister, Janelle Studdard. His wife, Kathy, preceded him in death.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, at Evangel Church in Columbus.