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Former pro wrestling champion and Columbus gym owner Jerry Oates dies

Posted: Sep 5th 2026 By: Mark Rice - Ledger-Enquirer.com

Jerry Oates, a former professional wrestler who helped folks in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley get fit and stay fit, has died.

Oates’ family announced his death Friday night on the Oates Gym Facebook page. No cause or location was given. He was 81.

A memorial service is being planned for Sept. 12, according to the family’s post, but full funeral arrangements and his obituary weren’t available before publication.

“Jerry touched countless lives through his strength, generosity, and enduring spirit,” the post says.

Oates, a Columbus native, wrestled professionally for 40 years (1970-2010). According to ProWrestling.Fandom.com, the titles he won include:

National Wrestling Alliance Central States Heavyweight Championship
NWA Central States Tag Team Championship with brother Ted and Ronnie Garvin
NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship
NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship with Jesse Ventura
All-Japan Pro Wrestling All-Asia Tag Team Championship with Ted

As owner and operator of Oates Gym, Oates created “a cornerstone of the Columbus fitness community for more than two decades,” the post says. “He also promoted bodybuilding and wrestling events and later served as a deputy with the Tybee Island Police Department and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.”

Among the more than 180 comments posted under the family’s Facebook post within the first 12 hours of the announcement are these tributes to Oates:

John Marshall wrote, “When I was a boy, we lived in East Highland for a while. In the Tolbleton Road apartments right across the street and the railroad tracks from Oates Gym. I used to wonder over there and occasionally see a professional wrestler. Mr. Oates would be there sometimes, and he was always nice to us kids. Rest In Peace Sir.”

Donnie Cook wrote, “He walked into where I worked at Winn Dixie back many years ago and man we talked for about an hour. He always treated his fans like they were his only fan! RIP brother I’m gonna miss you.”

Kevin Stewart wrote, “He was a legend. Jerry treated us all like men. … Literally helped shape a generation or two of Columbus’ best athletes.”

Robert North wrote, “He was more than just a wrestler, he was one of the most honest and respected men in Columbus, a friend to anyone that would let him be. The world lost a good one! See you on the other side brother. Fly high.”