The following is courtesy of Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Aurelian “Grizzly” Smith Sr., the father of Jake Roberts (Aurelian Smith Jr.), Sam Houston (Mike Smith) and Rockin Robin (Robin Smith) passed away today. We are awaiting more details but his death is being reported as due to complications from Alzheimer’s that he’s been suffering from for some time. He is believed to have been 78 years old.
Smith, a monter of a man for his day at about 6-10 and 350 pounds, was best known as part of a tag team called The Kentuckians, with Luke Brown. The two wore jeans and flannel shirts, and played hillbilly like characters. They were one of the top babyface tag teams of the 60s, feuding in many territories with The Masked Assassins (Tom Renesto & Jody Hamilton), who were considered one of the premier teams of the era.
Smith was a controversial character out of the ring based on the portrayal his son Jake Roberts gave of him both in the movie “Beyond the Mat,” as well as a WWE produced DVD where he discussed growing up almost in poverty while at the same time his father, who he rarely saw, was a star on television. Roberts even stated that one of his motivating goals to be successful in wrestling was to go into his father’s profession and become a bigger star than he was.
After retiring as an active competitor in the 70s, Smith worked for Bill Watts as the road manager for Mid South and later UWF wrestling, and on television was referred to as the television matchmaker. He also worked as a road manager for WCW and WWF.
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A couple of pieces of info not listed here, (or anywhere else..) Griz was over 7’0″ tall. He sold 6’10” in the ring, a common habit then and now, make em taller or shorter, whatever the whim…(weight is another story, and equally creative..)
Griz was the first REAL giant. Vince SR., wanted to make him what Andre became. Griz said no thanks. FACT.
Shannon.
Much thanks for the additions Shannon.