Jerry Oates: key obituary facts
Is Jerry Oates dead? Yes. Jerry Oates died on September 4, 2026, at age 78.
Cause of death: Jerry Oates's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Jerry Oates known for?
He was an American professional wrestler (1945-2026).
More about Jerry Oates
Born: 1 January 1945.
Place of birth: Columbus.
Gender: male.
Career began: 1970.
Jerry Oates, an American professional wrestler and trainer, died on September 4, 2026, aged 78.
Born Jerry Wayne Oates in Columbus, Georgia, he began his wrestling career in 1970 and went on to work both in the ring and in the training of others. Alongside his brother Ted, he helped train Marty Jannetty, Bambi, Randy Hogan, J-Rod, AJ Steele, Tom Ivy and Craig Brown.
Outside wrestling, Oates ran Oates Gym in Columbus and promoted the Southeastern Bodybuilding Championships from the 1980s through the 1990s. He also served as a deputy for the Tybee Island Police Department and as a bailiff for the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.