GRIZZLY SMITH PASSES AWAY
by Chris Yandek @ 6:48 PM on 6/12/2010

I am deeply saddened to report that legendary, professional wrestler Grizzly Smith, the father of Jake “The Snake" Roberts has passed away today. There are no further details at this time. I have known Jake Roberts for eight years. I know this is a difficult time for him and his family. I extend my deepest condolences to them.


AURELIAN 'GRIZZLY' SMITH PASSES AWAY
by Mike Johnson @ 6:45 PM on 6/12/2010

Former professional wrestler Aurelian "Grizzly" Smith passed away this morning from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was 78 years old.
Smith wrestled for a number of territories and promotions, including Bill Watt's Mid-South Wrestling and promotions in Texas and Kentucky. Smith held a number of championships, including the NWA American Tag Team championships with Fritz Von Erich and with Luke Brown, the AWA Midwest Tag Team, the NWA Southern Tag Team titles in Georgia, and the NWA United States Tag Team titles for Tri-State Wrestling.

Later, he held road agent positions for both both WCW and the WWF.

To fans today, Smith would be best known as the father of Jake Roberts, Sam Houston and Rockin' Robin. Aurelian's relationship with his children were chronicled in both the Barry Blaustein documentary "Beyond the Mat" and a WWE DVD set devoted to the life and career of Jake Roberts.

Smith had been in declining health in recent years and his children gathered by him earlier this week as his health took a turn for the worse.

On behalf of everyone associated with PWInsider.com, we issue our deepest condolences to the Smith family.

Thanks to Chris Yandek.

PWinsider

Sad news. RIP, Griz.

RIP

RIP.

Is it wrong of me to think that it is a little surprising that he died before his son did?