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Mike Graham Obituary

Pro wrestler Mike Graham (real name: Michael Gossett) died Oct. 19, 2012, in Daytona Beach.

Published by TBO.com on Oct. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Mike Graham

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88 Entries

Unfortunately I just recently found out about Mike Graham in 2023 really sad he lived in Daytona and I lived outside of Jacksonville since I moved back home in 1996 I had been down to Daytona many a time since then I would have loved to have run into him. But unfortunately I suffered a great loss of my son in 2009 at the age of almost 17 so looking him up took a back burner in my life. I got to know Mike, Kevin and Steve during a special era/time in my life at 17. I was a fan of his from back in the day of Saturday wrestling from TampA then I actually started going to see all of them in person at the coliseum in Jacksonville. To my good fortune I actually got to interact with them in person cause a friend of mind was dating Steve Kerin. She would meet up with him after the match and I was left many a time with Mike and Kevin but hey they were great guys and knowing I was only 17 drew the line. I am so sorry he is gone I had a tremendous crush on him back in the day late 60´s thru early 70´s. As his daughter said "Piece of mind". So here´s to you Mike Graham R.I.P. and again I am so sorry it took me this long to realize he was gone

Denise O´Steen

June 26, 2023

I can’t believe it’s been 8 years since you left this earth. There are so many that think of you often and will keep you in their hearts forever and ever I certainly will. Your smile, kindness and spirit lit up any room

Vicki Chapman

Friend

October 19, 2020

1 year today. Please keep looking out for me from above.

October 18, 2013

NLA

July 1, 2013

Always hoped to find a way to meet you and had occasionally looked on the web for ways to connect. Was looking again recently and found out about your passing. Had hoped to make contact since we're family and I'm a huge wrestling fan. Your dad was first cousin to my grandmother. My dad can still tell stories about going to see your dad wrestle before the move to FL. Your distant family on Monteagle Mountain in Tennessee is saddened by this news. Rest in peace.

David Lowrie

May 25, 2013

VRC

January 26, 2013

I remember wrestling Mike in the front yard of his first wife's parents house on Hesperides. All the boys would try to "get Him" and he would kick our butts!

January 23, 2013

Mike, thank you for all you gave to us as an entertainer, wrestler, and man. You will never be forgotten and may you rest in peace.

Lewis Johnson

January 10, 2013

Im in shock to hear this news, Michael was an awesome person with the biggest smile, his eyes would sparkle. My prayers go out to Diane, big cyber hugs honey.

Susan Lostraglio

January 4, 2013

I enjoyed watching you wrestle, so sad and so sorry, you left.

Ron H

January 2, 2013

Miss you, Daddy.

December 20, 2012

Hey I remember mike Graham when he came to the old national guard armory in lakeland FL and he was great at what he did and he will always live in the hearts of every one and even though he is gone he will never be forgotten and my E-mail is [email protected]

Deborah meadows

November 8, 2012

Hey I remember mike Graham when he came to the old national guard armory in lakeland FL and he was great at what he did and he will always live in the hearts

Deborah meadows

November 8, 2012

Thinking of Mike and all his family and friends today...Wish I could have went to the memorial. I read there were 500 people there...I know it must have been a wonderful celebration of his life and I know all the guys from the wrestling days got to see each other and that makes it extra special...Mike was smiling down on you all I know...

Sherry Groover

November 2, 2012

Dino Laza aka Tony Marino sends his deepest sympathies to the family. He stated he remembers the last time "The Boys" (Wrestlers of yesteryear) were togeter for lunch; he was glad that he gave Mike a hug.

dino lanza

November 2, 2012

Burk Christy

November 1, 2012

Thanks for being my friend. Ricky T

Rick Taylor

October 31, 2012

God Bless You Mike. You a beautiful soul. You are sadly missed by all.

Linda Wise

October 31, 2012

I grew up watching CWF, Eddie Graham was my favorite wrestler, when he introduced Mike in 1972 at 21 years old, I knew in my heart that, this handsome young,man was destined for a great future, his dad had trained him well He had all the attributes of a true genuine,person, Mike had a unique quality of his own,He had a very nice personality, He had that certain charisma about him, that made him a big star and quickly won over the fans. I loved watching the father and son tag team,they were second to none it was truly a joy to watch them perform. I could not wait to see them on Tuesday nights.Mike was a Ray of Sunshine, that kept on shining,I will always treasure the memories of these great men,that were such a happy part of my child hood.my sincerest and deepest sympathies to Mikes.family friends, and fans,He will be forever missed.
Vicki L. Moore Brooksville, Fl.

Vicki Moore

October 31, 2012

i am so sorry for your loss

joyce sullivan

October 29, 2012

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Mike. He was a great example of how one person can use his talents to lead young people. He was very entertaining and will be missed.

M&M McCarthy

October 29, 2012

I remember watching him wrestle at the Eddie Graham Sports Stadium. He was always so nice to his fans.He'll be dearly missed.

Dianne Bunting

October 29, 2012

My condolences to the family. Mike was a great friend whom I had known since I was 10 years old when he lived in the trailer park on Westshore with his mom & Dad (Lucy&Eddie) Mike was pound for pound the strongest guy I ever met...We used to work out @ Harrys Gym in south Tampa! I'll never forget the great times with him & Steve Keirn, Jack & Jerry, Dusty, Kevin, Manny, & all the rest of the boys from back in the day! He will be sadly missed & Tampa has lost a great one!

Burk Christy

October 28, 2012

Mike was a great wrestler and a great person. I remember the Eddie Graham sports statumn. I knew his father very well. I'm so sorry for the family my thought'sand prayer's are with you.

Rosi Powell

October 28, 2012

Have great memories of him as a kid growing up in Hollywood, fl.. We went to the wrestling matches every time they came to town and watched tv wrestling every week. He will be remembered fondly. RIP

rich hajdukiewicz

October 26, 2012

Thanks Mike, for all the great memories, we will all miss you. May God in Heaven watch over your family during this difficult time.

Tommy Dorsey

October 26, 2012

may god bless his family

October 26, 2012

I grew up watching mike & his dad wrestle. He will be sadly missed. His family is in my thoughts & prayers. May God help you through this difficult time.

Tammy Walling

October 26, 2012

Such a tragedy. My prayers go to Mike in hoping that he finds the peace that he was looking for and to Diane, that God gives her the strength to carry on.

Kelley Fuller

October 26, 2012

Mike was one of the nicest, politest, gentlemen that I have ever met in my entire life. Knew him from the old Manhattan Elementary days in south Tampa where his father, Eddie, always came to pick him up after school in a white convertible Cadillac. He was a hard worker,honest and true to the core. No one could have had or asked for a better person to call their friend. God truly blessed everyone who ever knew him. Words can't describe how sorry we are to hear of this tragedy. Sincerest Condolencses to Mike's family.

Fred Pachoud

October 26, 2012

I'm so sorry for your loss.our prayers are with you at this time.mike you well be missed.R I P my friend

charles estepp

October 26, 2012

Rest in peace my friend.

Andrea Clayton-Flynn

October 25, 2012

RIP Mike.............my heart goes out to the family gods speed.

October 25, 2012

You will be deeply missed. I remember when we were in school together and we would hang together with steve keirn,and dick slater and kevin sullivan. Rest in peace my friend.

joyce janner

October 25, 2012

My deepest condolences to Diane and family for this tragic loss. I hadn't had the opportunity to enjoy your company as much the last few years, but Mike and you were always a pleasure to have at my bar. God Bless and keep you through this difficult time.

McKenna Lynnzey

October 25, 2012

I hope Mike has found the peace he was needing.

Linda Brown

October 25, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Graham family.We got the pleasure of seeing mike everyyear at the charlie palooza weekend.He will be soarly missed.

Jesse & Katie Embry

October 25, 2012

Diane,
I'm so very sorry. I last saw Mike about two months ago, when he came by the shop to drop off a boat. We hadn't seen each other in a few years and spent some time catching up. Mike was always the consummate showman, and could brighten any occasion with his presence. Over the years we shared in a few good times, and a lot of laughs. I know I'll always miss him, and I feel proud to have known him... R.I.P. Mike.

Fred Crowley

October 25, 2012

When I was ten years old and watching TV, the very first wrestler I rememember seeing was Mike's father, Eddie Graham.
Eddie became my favorite wrestler and when Mike started to wrestle in the early seventies, he became a favorite as well.The Graham family always supported the youth sports programs in Florida with their time and money.
Mike carried on his father's legacy of providing wonderful sport's entertainment coupled with skill and showmanship. My deepest condolences go out to his family. Sincerely, John G. Brown

John Brown

October 25, 2012

I am so sorry for this loss. I was a photographer in the 80's and have 100's of picures from that time.He was always very nice to talk to. he will be missed, i pray for the family.

Sally Boulton-gutierrez

October 25, 2012

October 24, 2012

October 24, 2012

October 24, 2012

When my oldest son was just 2 years old, we would take him to the wrestling matches in West Palm on Monday night,Wednesday in Miami and Friday in Ft Lauderdale. Always picked my son up, remember the time when he touched Mikes nose and said boo boo, Mike said yes its mat burn. People like Mike who worked at his trade without all the stuff people use today. Strong from working out.
God Bless your family during this sad time. May you rest in peace.

Mike Williamson

October 24, 2012

while working for Delta Air Lines I became friends with both Eddie and Mike and am saddened with the loss of both of these great men,my sympanthy to the family Raymond Miller

October 24, 2012

My twin sister and I were at Robinson High School when and our choir competed for the states best choir,and Mikes dad was one of the chaparones for us. It was at Daytona beach. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.Mike was a great wrestler and a nice person. The Tremmel twins, Felice and Eileen.

Felice Tremmel Miles

October 23, 2012

Mike was my favorite wrestler, I watched him a lot in college, and always kept up with his activities online. His loss speaks to the end of an era where training and conditioning in combination with skill were the essential basic ingredients that propelled the showmanship of wrestling. My thoughts are with Mike's family. RIP Mike.

Charles Cozart

October 23, 2012

I met mike a few months ago. he was one of a kind. I will allways be sorry that i didnt have the chance to know him better. Good people are hard to find .Mike was above the rim. to his family i say i was proud to call mike a friend. I am sorry for our loss.

dale tucker

October 22, 2012

mike was an old friend that i knew at harry smiths gym in tampa. years ago. im so heartly sorry to here of his passing. randy wrght largo fla 581-3074

randy wright

October 22, 2012

So sad to hear this news. Mike was in my 6th grade class at Manhattan. He wasn't one of the "icky" boys. I still think of him his sense of humor comes to mind. We also learned drumming in Beginning Band at Madison. He was much better than I. May the healing begin for his family with God's blessings.

Janine Nickerson

October 22, 2012

My prayers and thoughts are with the Graham family.

Dennis Mitchell

October 22, 2012

I want to express my sincere sympathy to the Gossett family. Growing up in Miami and visiting Tampa to see shows I met Mike in the early 70's when I was in high school. I went to USF in the mid 70's and talked to Mike and his Dad. I went to many TV tapings and he was always a nice guy to me. We were close in age and he was into competitive power lifting and I enjoyed doing the non competitve part of it. Funny how things stay with one but I so admired this white Cadillac Seville he had in 1976. My car was junk but looked forward to the day I could buy a nice car. I was so sad to learn of his death and pray all the family and friends find peace. God bless you.

Bob Urquhart

October 22, 2012

13 weeks of looking forward to seeing Mike, Ted & Diane walk into the radio station every Saturday. Always smiling and laughing! What a bright light his presence was. The news of his loss shocks and saddens me! My sympathy to Diane and all of Mikes Family and Friends. I was blessed to produce "Talking Wrestling" and will miss the fun. Rest Easy Mike!

Sandy Bogden

October 21, 2012

I met Mike, my childhood idol, a few weeks ago on Clearwater Beach. I was in absolute awe as we talked about his wrestling days to riding Harley Davidsons. A wonderful, down to earth guy, gone way too soon! R.I.P.

Daniel Love

October 21, 2012

Diane, we are so sad to hear of this today,Mike was an amazing man, always a gentlemen. Your friends ,Eric&Laura

October 21, 2012

He was one of the true greats in wrestling. Thanks for the greatest years in the sport. See you one the other side.

Jerry Outlaw

October 21, 2012

May God give his Family strength, I'm glad I had the chance to work with you, we had some good matches together.

Jimmy Garvin

October 21, 2012

R.I.P Great guy,rest in peace. Manuel Feliu and family

October 21, 2012

We were so sorry and sad to read Mike had passed away. Mike was a student in my sixth grade class in 1962-63. He was a great kid who everyone liked. His mother, Lucille, was our homeroom mother and his father, Eddie, was always doing with or for our class that year. A thoughtful and caring family.

Andy Conda

October 21, 2012

Sincere prayers go out to Mike's family. When i was younger, my dad and I were glued to Championship Wrestling from Florida every week. You have given us some great memories. RIP Mike.

October 21, 2012

So sad to hear the loss of Mike Graham...Part of my youth was spent going to see Mike and Steve tag team wrestle at The Eddie Graham Sports Complex in Orlando...

Sherry Groover

October 21, 2012

R.I.P MIKE GRAHAM.YOU WHERE ONE OF OUR TAMPAS GREAT WRESTLER.YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED.WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST OF A GREAT MAN IN THE WRESTLERING WORLD.

LIZZY DAUGHRITY

October 21, 2012

Be at Peace Mike, you've rejoined your lved ones.

Bobby Doyle

October 20, 2012

Great Competitor.....R.I.P.

Bob McDonald

October 20, 2012

RIP Mike..My heart goes out to your entire family. You will be truly missed...we lost another one way to soon.

Nora Schaeffer

October 20, 2012

best wishes and you and ypour dad will be miss

nelson ligori

October 20, 2012

RIP MIKE .YOU ARE GONE TO EARLY YOU WERE A ONE OF KIND AND YOU WILL TRUELY BE MISSED BY ALL REMEMBER WATCHING MIKE IN WCW DAYS AND IT WAS AN HONOR TO SEE HIM EXCEPT HIS FATHER'S AWARD WHEN HE WAS INDUCTED IN THE WWE HALL OF FAME.RIP MIKE

ROBBIE SEYMOUR

October 20, 2012

RIP old friend.

Wayne Coulter

October 20, 2012

YOU HAD ALOT OF FANS OUT HERE IN THIS WORLD THAT ADMIRED THE WORK AND THE SHOW YOU PUT ON. THANKS FOR THE GREAT ENTERTAINMENT. THANKS TO YOUR FAMILY FOR SHAREING YOU WITH US EACH WEEK. I WATCHED YOU AS A LITTLE GIRL, AND AS I GREW UP. YOU AND STEVE KERN WAS MY MAIN MEN. THANKS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AND PRAYERS ARE UP TO HELP YOUR FAMILY WITH THIS SUDDEN LOSS. RIP. MY FRIEND

KATHY SPENCER

October 20, 2012

One of the nicest guys. My prayers and thoughts with his family.

Mary Paz

October 20, 2012

RIP Mike you were old school and one of the best thanks for the memories! prayers to your family!

Sandra Carter

October 20, 2012

Grew up watching the Graham's during their wrestling days. Sad news condolences to his family members and friends. RIP Mike Graham.

Webber Family

October 20, 2012

Mike was a Great man ! I bought my first boat from Mike and was surprised when I saw it was him selling it ! What great matches at the armory on howard av. Always very kind and would talk to you about wrestling , boats or any other subject that came to mind. We will miss you Mike, you came from a great wrestling family and the Tampa bay area will miss you. Peace be with you and to the family.

Mike Smith

October 20, 2012

Mike Graham,One of the All time Greats in Pro Wrestling History..This is another Sad day for Fans.My deepest sympathies to Mike's family.

Michael Hoffman

October 20, 2012

Diane we were very saddened to hear the news of Mike's death. May you be lifted in the Love of family and friends and know we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Al & Shirley Fredrickson

October 20, 2012

RIP Mike Graham. You were one of the best to ever grace the ring. Someone i've watched since childhood. Someone i worked with and learned from over the years. Someone that helped me during my time in wrestling more then he will ever know. And someone i respect and will never forget. Gone to soon. Remembered FOREVER.

Bob Cook

October 20, 2012

My sincerest heart felt condolences to Diane, family and friends. Mike was such a wonderful person, he will be missed by many.

Cary Greenberg

October 20, 2012

Terry Fernandez

October 20, 2012

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Graham family, friends and fans at this time. grew up in Tampa and watched the graham family wrestlers,Eddie, Mike and the fun it was then. May the word of God give comfort through Christ Jesus to all .

Marcus Rhaney

October 20, 2012

I remember working for you years ago at the albany st building. much love to you and your family.

kimberly dierikx

October 20, 2012

Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are for his family, friends, co-workers and all that knew and loved him. Our children and our family attended most all of his matches and were ardent fans of his. He was one of the "Greats" of the wrestling world. Mike, rest in peace in the arms of your Savior.

Shirley & Bill Stewart

October 20, 2012

what a great friend, for many years, G carlson

carlson

October 20, 2012

RIP

Adaus Green

October 20, 2012

I am a friend of the family for many years may God be with you through this tuff time. My deepest sympathy.

Arlene Schlichte

October 20, 2012

My Childhood HERO !!!!!

Mike Payne

October 20, 2012

R.I.P. MIKE GRAHAM

BILL

October 20, 2012

THANK YOU MIKE FOR ENTERTAINING ME FOR MANY YEARS WHILE YOU WERE WITH CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM FLORIDA.SAW AND TALKED TO YOU MANY NIGHTS WHEN YOU WRESTLED IN WEST PALM BEACH.MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.YOU WILL BE MISSED R.I.P.

William rourk

October 20, 2012

He was a real good guy that we have lost much to soon. RIP Mike. You will be missed very much.

Edward Brantley

October 19, 2012

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