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William Moody Obituary
A spokesman for the wrestling company said Moody's family notified the WWE of his death on Tuesday. No cause was released.
After stints in various independent wrestling promotions, Moody joined the WWE in 1990 and quickly became associated with The Undertaker, a character who claimed he was undead and boasted of mystical powers.
The WWE said in a statement that Moody, "went on to become a memorable part of WWE over the course of the next 20 years."
In the WWE plotline, Paul Bearer later managed Undertaker's on-screen half-brother Kane. He also managed the bad-guy character Mick "Mankind" Foley.
His shrill catchphrase, "Ooohhh yeeesss!" and contorted facial expressions made him one of the sports-entertainment company's more popular personalities for more than a decade.
In the outlandish world of pro wrestling, Paul Bearer was once placed in a glass casket and buried in concrete. In his final WWE appearance last year, Paul Bearer was locked in a freezer by Randy Orton and left there tied up even after he was found by Kane.
That was Moody's life in the WWE. And it was a business he loved for nearly 40 years. Many of his colleagues paid tribute to him on Wednesday on Twitter.
"Rest in peace, Paul Bearer. You will never be forgotten. There will never be another," wrote wrestler Triple H.
Moody was a perfect fit as a macabre mortician. When he joined the WWE, he ditched the blond hair and Percy Pringle name he forged in the 1980s for jet black locks complete with powdered white face. In the act, Paul Bearer's urn had some unexplained power that protected the Undertaker, allowing his protege to escape unscathed from every leg drop and big boot to the face. Paul Bearer also hosted the WWE segment, "The Funera l Parlor."
Moody, an Alabama native, told the pro wrestling website PWTorch.com last year that had a degree in mortuary science. He said he was a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He was called to WWE chairman Vince McMahon's office about taking the job as Undertaker's manager without the company knowing his true background.
"It was one those had-to-be-there moments when Vince realized I was the real thing, the real deal," Moody told the website. "I was the real Undertaker."
Moody battled health and weight problems and worked on and off for the company after 2002.
Foley said he babysat Moody's children and called him "Uncle Paul." The Paul Bearer character will be remembered most for the soap opera twists in his relationship with The Undertaker, still one of the premier stars of the company.
"It just seemed so bizarre," Foley said in a telephone interview. "But at the same time, he was a perfect fit for The Undertaker. They went on to becom e iconic figures in our profession."
___
DAN GELSTON, AP Sports Writer
Dan Gelston can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/APGelston
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
1039 Entries
Dennis Winship
May 11, 2021
I liked him for his funeral parlor. I also liked when he managed the under taker mark callaway. I also liked him when he carried the urn. Dennis winship Lynn Massachusetts
October 3, 2019
Miss you every day my friend...
Jeremiah Allen
September 30, 2019
He lived a very good life, GOD bless him and his Family. I know there pain, but they will get through it!!!
How you can show support
Shar McNeely
March 2, 2019
Paul Bearer,
The memories you gave to so many reather if you were Paul Bearer,Percy Pringlelll or just William Alvin Moody you done sweet Bearer you made so many people love you for who you were and you did not give a damn who dislike you.
For myself as a respectable fan you gave me more
Then what anyone will ever know
1.you showed me what kindness can really bring.
2.you showed me dreams can come true one of my biggest dreams is to work in a funeral home NOT doing the same work you done but other responsibilities and when I go to work for them I promise you I will remember you always,
3.looser's can become winners only if you dedicate your time and will to the good lord above.
One last thing you maybe sent a way from this world you once walk but your work will never be done as long as you have your fans and helpers to keep it a live.
Thanks so much for much for the golden memories you gave to us all may they shine on thru eternity,
Love and miss you
From your loyal and faithful
Fan S.E.M
cj parker
February 27, 2019
Thank You for the memories and you will be missed
February 27, 2019
i like paul bearer
William Skeens
November 21, 2018
William Paul Bearor Moody you are truly a legend thinking of you today buddy thoughts and prayers are with your family you will be truly missed
Rest in peace my friend
October 1, 2018
Some days it is still hard to believe you are gone...I am sure you and Hump are havin a good ole time where ever you are...love you my friend and I miss you every day!!!!
Sharlynn Mcneely
September 27, 2018
Even in death Paul Bearer will live on forever thru his family friends and deep respected fans who loved him very like myself.
He was the best in every thing he done in life.
May the good lord in heaven keep Bill Moody's spirit safe and happy for eternity.
RIP with love and deep respect
Sharlynn E Mcneely,
Char Fuertes
December 2, 2016
Missing my friend...today and every day....
To Grace...
he talked about his grandkids all the time and just adored you.... :)
Allen Norton
December 2, 2016
Grace i knew your grand Pa's Sister-- she as well as him is a loving lady- glad to hear u miss him and love him--he was to the Norton's us-- a great person--
Grace Moody
December 1, 2016
I love you grandpa he was my grandfather. He was my best best best best friend he got me anything i wanted he was so great with kids 12 years old grace moody
December 8, 2015
So lucky to call you my friend...miss you every day.
December 8, 2015
thinking about you today..I miss my friend.
Lady Latoya Ford
December 7, 2015
You will be missed Mr William H. Moody aka Paul Bearer. You brought many smiles in our lives. May your spirit spread its wings and soar like a egal in the sky.
chris surrett
October 19, 2015
william moody was the best manager of all time and brought alot of joy to the fans
Carol spores
April 19, 2015
YoU will be miss William moody aka Paul bearer we love you and you were a great manager of the undertaker rip
February 16, 2015
Think about you every day my friend...
miss you
Kimberly Griffin
February 14, 2015
I watched him when he was Percy Pringle in the wccw in dallas tx and when he went to the wwe he was a talented man that managed some great legends he will be missed
Roger Strout
December 3, 2014
RIP from a fellow military veteran.
October 29, 2014
And no resident will say: “I am sick…”Isa 33:24. We can be sure of this reality because God has promised as seen from his divine words about the near future; perhaps you or I may see those missing from our lives due to sickness or injury that lead to death. Prayers go out to the surviving family and friends.
Ollie Benjamin Sr
June 20, 2014
rest easy you are one of the reasons why I got into prowrestling. may god bless you in heaven and your family
laura whitaker
May 25, 2014
Paul moody will be missed he was the best person that manager for both kane and undertaker - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/william-moody-condolences/163505856?cid=gbsrchres#sthash.a6mQzFSb.dpuf
Allen &Carolyn Norton
April 12, 2014
I am Allen &Carolyn Norton- we ran a Fishing resort in Welaka Fla.- Paul's sister(Joan&Art) was a good guest of the Norton's Place- i am just amazed that after so many Days have passed and folks are still making comment about this great Man- just had to comment on this- We have a signed Pic. of him and the Undertaker-God Bless him and all who ever came in contact with him-he is and always will be Missed--AMEN
Michael Musick
April 11, 2014
Rest well Mr. Moody. Growing up my friends and my dad would always say the famous Paul Bearer "Ohhhh Yeeeaahh". You were a great showmen and better yet it seems a great person. God bless you and your family. Your memory will never die.
April 11, 2014
Happy B Day my friend...I miss you so much...your sense of humor was second to none..you always could make me laugh even when life was hard. Thank you for being a part of my life for some 30years. Congrats on the Hall of Fame..it is well deserved and long over do. Char
Steven
April 9, 2014
Great to see you in the hall of fame, you deserve it. Thank you for being a part of my childhood.Rest in peace Mr. Moody or as you were called Paul Bearer
ANDY STEWART
November 24, 2013
WILLIAM WAS MY BEST FRIEND AND I WILL ALWAYS MISS HIM ALTHOUGH WE HAVEN"T SEEN EACH OTHER I KNOW I NEVER FORGOT HIM I WILL ALWAYS BE GREATFUL FOR KNOWING HIM AS A CHILD AND I WAS ALWAYS PROUD OF HIS SERVICES TO OUR NATION HIS FAMILY AND THE WRESTLING FEDERATION MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO HIS CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN BUT ESPECIALLY HIS MOTHER WHOM ALSO WAS MY AND HIS DEN MOTHER TROOP 105 AND HIS FATHER REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND
donyale adkins
November 9, 2013
I love and miss you William moody.
October 8, 2013
Paul moody will be missed he was the best person that manager for both kane and undertaker
September 12, 2013
6 months...i still cannot believe it...
miss you every day.
if there is an afterlife...give my love to Humpie.
September 11, 2013
REST IN PEACE 21-0
September 11, 2013
Rest In Peace
greg luxford
August 25, 2013
a true showman in wwe and the von eric promion my condolince to his family
lauren
July 23, 2013
you made my dad so happy loved your character
Jenn Campbell
July 20, 2013
R. I. P to a true legend
J B
July 18, 2013
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to The Moody family may the
God of all comfort give you peace at this time.
May 17, 2013
May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your family at this difficult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4. Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC
May 9, 2013
i did not expect to read this but your flying with angels now my bruddah! aloha and thank you for all you did for me. aloha, The Hawaiian Kid.
May 5, 2013
RIP Mr Moody l remember seeing you for the first time at summerslam 1992 we it was brought to London England
May 3, 2013
I can't believe that it's almost two months since you left Us. I miss you so much and your friendship meant so much to me..more than you know. Thank you for the memories my friend.
John Lowder
April 30, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Lowder
April 26, 2013
God bless , the moody family .
Jonathan Lowder
April 23, 2013
What a fabulous entertainer and person.
Carrie Carliell
April 7, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. William Moody will be deeply missed. His depiction of Paul Bearer was perfect.
April 5, 2013
William Moody as a WWE fan Ive watch you maening time.Got to see aat WEASTLEMANIA IX in las Vegas to you and your family and all WWE Fans Rest in Peace and MY God Bless Mark R mastinez
April 4, 2013
Paul..as a WWF fan it was always great to see you and The Undertaker giving it your all every night. God Bless you and Rest In Piece. Ohhhhh Yessss!
Joe Dougherty
April 3, 2013
I met him in a little gym in Tampa FL. He was there with a young guy who was just getting his start in wrestling. That guy was Lex Luger. William was managing under the name Percy Pringle back then. I only knew him a little bit from the times he would be in the gym. But he was a great guy and I always enjoyed talking with him. He also provided me much entertainment over the years. They don't make them like him anymore..
RIP
j c
April 2, 2013
Dear family and friends of Mr. William Moody , Mr. moody aka Paul Bearer is and always will be the greatst entertainer of all time And also inspired the character the jackyle who is waiting to make its wwe debue May god bless you, your family and friends RIP GOD BLESS AKA THE JACKYLE
Simone Suber
April 2, 2013
Being from Mobile, AL and a long time 'rasslin' fan I can truly say he will be missed. Prayers to all his friends and family!
v c
March 30, 2013
as an artist who has been able to sustain an adult life doing so, bill moody was one of my earliest inspirations to pursue my dreams. growing up in mobile he is and will continue to be a true inspiration for myself and others to make our hopes for the future come true, no matter the circumstance. very sad i never got to thank him in person, but i suspect that the inspiration of his lifes work is far more important! i hope that the family can stay positive throughout this whole experience knowing this.
Alexis Clark
March 29, 2013
*Tears* Rest easy! You will forever be missed all across the world.
March 28, 2013
this is a tough one. I will truly miss talking to my friend or in this business my brother from another.may your family and friends know that you were just a Alabama boy who was a star in fans eyes but in mine and Buds you were a special brother and we love you for just being you a humble man who told me that you would have not made it in this business if it wasnt for taker no just the oppsite my friend. And by the way you were the only one that could tell the story about the great fire house story in Tampa.Broke my heart when God called for you but our memories will never be forgotton.Love you so much Perc and a piece of my heart will always be with you and your family. nabes.
March 28, 2013
GOD BLESSED!!YOUR MISS'd WE TRIED TO get thERE ...you know that I'm sure!LOVE YOU...Donald Duck McDole N Donna Allison
March 28, 2013
Love You David!!!Ralph says Hi!!!!
David Marquez
March 28, 2013
I have been associated with Percy since the late 90s and over the last 3 years we became very close. In Hollywood, CA he leaves behind many new talents that love and miss him. We taped our latest episodes (the first without Moody) and it so not the same. All the best to Mr. & Mrs. Moody & family.
This photo was shot backstage at my wrestling show in Hollywood 2 years ago for his BDay. I was told he LOVES Coca-Cola cake, he'd never heard of it.
David Marquez
March 28, 2013
Darrington Danzey
March 27, 2013
some people don't understand when some one like MR. moody pass its like loosing a love one,because my family and I watch WWE all the time and when Paul Bearer was going to be on there we knew it was going to be good,MR.Moody was very good at what he did RIP we will never for get You.
John Swanson
March 27, 2013
My deepest condolences to William Moodys friends and family.Thank you William for the entertainment that you provided to millions of wrestling fans throughout the years.
Char Fuertes
March 27, 2013
I still cannot believe you are gone. Thank you for your 28yrs of friendship. You were one of the best people I have ever known and I miss you very much.
In your words...Thanks for the memories.
Robert Johnson
March 27, 2013
You all have my deepest sympathy. May God comfort your family.
Ginger Bodden
March 27, 2013
You made life fun but still held on to your christian faith.
Jeremy Schrag
March 27, 2013
Farewell, Percy. I didn't know you very well, but I do know that you will be missed greatly. Thanks for the memories.
Barney Guillory
March 27, 2013
R.I.P William. Your battles are over. Now you can join your wife in Eternal Happiness.!
Jeff Manning
March 27, 2013
While I only knew you personally for 3 years, you were an inspiration to many of us and a true friend to me. You are missed so terribly but as you look down on us we have a special tribute planned for you on April 6 at our show and DJ will be there as part of it. Rest in Peace and comfort dear friend
Rhonda McCallister
March 27, 2013
Rest my sweet friend,for I know you are at peace now with your sweet Diana. You may be gone but I will never forget you! Much love always Rhonda McCallister
March 27, 2013
RIP, dear friend, you and Dianna enjoy now your family has your back, they are doing a outstanding job.
Sean McCallon
March 27, 2013
Thank you for giving so much to so many. Your memory lives forever in our hearts.
March 27, 2013
Aunt Clarice, and Uncle Harry, I am sooo sorry for your loss. Please call me if you need anything.
Love, Anna Snyder Willmann.
Nick Ramagli
March 26, 2013
Rest in peace Paul. You will truly be missed. May God watch over your soul. R.I.P. my friend.
Mindy James
March 24, 2013
rest in peace. an inspirational man through-out his life and for so many many years to come he will live on
Chuck Arbogast
March 23, 2013
RIP Paul
Andrew DiMichele
March 22, 2013
Rest in piece buddy. You will be missed and remembered by all!!!
Randy Legacy
March 22, 2013
You will be missed there will be nobody like you. Rest in peace Paul
Grady Youngblood
March 22, 2013
William Moody forevermore to be remembered by WWE.
Timothy Thomas
March 22, 2013
R.i.p. Pall bearer and i remember him from when i was growning up he will alway be missed god bless u..
Mandi Whitaker
March 22, 2013
RIP Paul!
Cherie Ellis
March 20, 2013
You will not be forgotten and will be greatly missed. Love John and little girl.
March 19, 2013
RIP..... Thank You!!!
Yellow Rose
Vicki Smith
March 19, 2013
Rest In Peace Paul Barer,You Will Be Greatly Missed.
rose riehl
March 18, 2013
You will be deeply missed by everyone r.i.p paul bearar
GREG DOOLIN
March 17, 2013
I THOUGHT ONE MORE CANDLE WOULD BE NICE AND I MEANT THE WORD GOING I MISSPELLED IT
March 17, 2013
Missing you William every day.
Joseph Friscia
Of Smithtown, N.Y.
melissa votaw
March 17, 2013
to the family of mr. moody. you all are in my thoughts and prayers. my condolences.
Genevieve O'Neill Graverson
March 16, 2013
Bill and I were both active duty and stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi MS. My career field was in Military Personnel and I believe that Bill's was in Administration in one of the Permanent Party Orderly Rooms (mid 1970's). I remember Bill stating that he would go to Mobile every free chance that he got and asked me at the time not to share the following...that apparently he did some wrestling on the side while he was active duty. Well Bill, I kept my promise until now. May God's peace be with each and everyone. [email protected]
REST IN PEACE PAUL BEARER
greg doolin
March 16, 2013
i.m goiug to miss where.s my undertaker and the words he said about kane
Susan Tex Green
March 16, 2013
Bill, you were a part of my wrestling family, first meet in WCCW in Dallas. You always made me smile behind the curtain at the Mobile reunion I never knew what you would say. This pass reunion you put me over like a champ from the time curtain open till the last pictures was taken. I will miss you greatly. Rest in Peace my friend... See you when the Lord calls me home.
cyndi
March 16, 2013
Even though I know you are in a better place with no more pain or sadness... My heart is broken to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends and everyone who was touched by your kind and lovely soul. I will always remember and treasure all the wonderful times I spent with you "Pa"...
J Gonzalez
March 16, 2013
One of the greatest managers of all time
March 15, 2013
Sorry For your Lose! Paul Bearer will be forever missed & I will always love you. Travis Kelly
Daniel Salisbury
March 15, 2013
Rip u will be missed big fan of your s an undertaker
juanita an kevin cheatnut
March 15, 2013
stanford d an I will miss. You dearly
Donna R
March 15, 2013
We will miss you
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