The life and career of Eldridge Wayne Coleman, aka, Superstar Billy Graham will be celebrated just outside his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, June 1st.
Inside the Ropes Magazine columnist Keith Elliot Greenberg, co-author of Graham’s 2007 autobiography, ‘Tangled Ropes,’ tells us that, following a private viewing, a public funeral will take place at 12 PM PST at the Full Life Church, 532 West Ray Road in Chandler, Arizona.
For those who cannot attend the ceremony, the service will be live-streamed on the church’s website at https://fulllifechurchaz.org/livestream.
With his bronzed, chiseled physique, tie-dye outfits, bleached blond hair, and rhyming promos and catchphrases, the charismatic ‘Superstar’ – who shocked the wrestling world by dethroning Bruno Sammartino for what was the World Wide Wrestling Federation (now WWE) Heavyweight Championship in 1977 – was the prototype for later stars like Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura and Hulk Hogan.
Triple H, who inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004, has called him the world’s first sports entertainer and the most imitated pro wrestler of all time.
Graham, 79, died May 17th of sepsis and multiple organ failure after battling a number of ailments in recent months.
The wrestling world paid tribute to Superstar Billy Graham
Since the sad news of Graham’s passing broke, many in the wrestling world have paid tribute to the star. This includes Paul Heyman, who credited him for Vince McMahon’s decision to call wrestlers ‘Superstars’.
“Before Billy Graham, performers in WWWF / WWF/ WWE were known as professional wrestlers. After Billy Graham left his mark, Vincent Kennedy McMahon decided everyone would be a WWE Superstar. A most heartfelt RIP to the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour!”
Ric Flair also thanked Graham for the influence he had on his own legendary career.
The Superstar Billy Graham Just Left Us 🙏🏻 THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career! pic.twitter.com/YH0eT2NM4p
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) May 18, 2023
WWE has also shared its own tribute on social media while there is also a rundown of Graham’s career on WWE.com.
Everyone at Inside the Ropes sends our best wishes to Graham’s wife Valerie as well as their family and friends during this difficult time.