Former Wrestler "Gorgeous George" Dies At 85

'Gorgeous George,' former pro wrestler, dies at 85

By Andrew Dys
The (Rock Hill) Herald

Posted: Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2010

YORK -- Former flamboyant professional wrestler “Gorgeous George” Grant, who lived the past three-plus decades in York after retiring from the ring and becoming an evangelist, died today at the Dorn Veterans Administration hospital in Columbia, according to his daughter. Gorgeous George Grant was 85.

Grant, a World War II Navy veteran, took the moniker “Gorgeous George Grant” after it was used by the original wrestler, “Gorgeous George,” whose real name was George Wagner. During Gorgeous George Grant’s wrestling career, he was known for his feathered capes and outlandish style that was a favorite among wrestling fans of the 1950s and 1960s.

“He was a great guy, and I was fortunate to know him and his family these past few years,” said Jimmy Ramsey, who runs the York County prison and knew Grant from his evangelism work. “We had Gorgeous George Grant living right here in York.”

Grant was an active member at Blessed Hope Baptist Church in York. A memorial service will be next week, said his daughter, Melody Grant.