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From the desk of NWA President R. Bruce Tharpe

Posted: Mar 7th 2013 By: mikeiles

The National Wrestling Alliance was saddened to learn of the recent passing of William (Bill) Moody who also was known in wrestling circles as "Percy Pringle," and to a wider group of fans worldwide as "Paul Bearer," manager of the Undertaker. Percy was 58-years old.

I first met Percy in 1985 and took the summer off to referee in Florida - one of the most enjoyable times of my youth. I was in the ring every night that summer, and Percy was always at ringside managing either Jesse Barr, Rick Rude or the Missing Link.

Percy always did his best to make me laugh and crack up in the ring; my job was to try and keep a straight face.

Frankie Caine (the Great Mephisto) gave Percy his real start in the business managing the Samoans Tio and Tapu in Mississippi . Some of the personalities who started with Percy in that small territory included Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy (who went on to become the Fabulous Freebirds), and Sugarbear Harris (who became Kamala, the Ugandan Giant).

After finishing up in Florida , Percy and Rick Rude went to Dallas to work for the Von Erichs. They did very well in Texas , and Percy ended up working in the wrestling office as well as on television as a talent for over six years.

Shortly thereafter, Percy got the call that changed his life - an opportunity to work for the WWE as "Paul Bearer," the funeral director-turned wrestling manager of the Undertaker. Wrestling fans never realized how close that was to the truth.

Percy Pringle (and his family) have been involved in the funeral home business all his life. So when Vince McMahon found out that Percy was a licensed mortician and had a legitimate background in this area he knew that only one man could fill that role. After many years on the air with WWE as Paul Bearer, he phased out his on screen role and became a road agent prior to his retirement.

In later years, Percy was very active with the Gulf Coast Wrestler's Reunion in Mobile , Alabama , an event I attended in 1994.

This year's reunion was this past weekend. Although he clearly wasn't feeling well, Percy wouldn't miss the reunion for the world, as it was an opportunity for him to see all of his old friends, and childhood heroes like Cowboy Bob Kelly. It would be his last time.

After the reunion on Saturday, Percy checked into the hospital with respiratory issues. He passed away suddenly on Tuesday.

The National Wrestling Alliance mourns the death of Percy Pringle - a great manager - and I mourn the death of Percy Pringle - a longtime friend. God bless you and your family in this difficult time.