When you consider the world of professional wrestling, certain names spring to mind, and one of those is undoubtedly the Von Erich family. The woman behind this wrestling dynasty? Doris Adkisson, the unsung hero and matriarch of the family. This article will shed light on the life of Doris, her early years, her marriage to Fritz Von Erich, and the formation of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty.
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Early Life and Background
Doris Juanita Smith was born on November 18, 1932, in Louisiana. Little is known about her early life before she became part of the wrestling world, as Doris was a private person who preferred a life away from the limelight. This characteristic was one that she carried throughout her life, even when her family became public figures.
Marriage to Fritz Von Erich
On June 23, 1950, in Van Zandt, Texas, Doris married Jack Barton Adkisson, who would later be known to the wrestling world as Fritz Von Erich. This marriage marked the beginning of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, though they could not have known it at the time. The couple had six sons: Jackie, Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris. Each of these sons would go on to have their wrestling careers, carrying forward their father’s legacy.
Fritz and Doris shared their love and passion for wrestling with their sons, who became professional wrestlers under their father’s promotion, World Class Championship Wrestling. This was the beginning of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty, a name that would become synonymous with wrestling in the years to come.
The Von Erich Wrestling Dynasty
The Von Erich family’s journey into the wrestling world started with Fritz, but it was carried forward by his six sons. Each of them, under their father’s careful guidance and their mother’s unwavering support, carved their path in the wrestling world. They came to be known for their exceptional wrestling skills, their charisma, and their ability to captivate audiences worldwide. Their presence in the wrestling ring was nothing short of electrifying, and they quickly became fan favorites.
The legacy of the Von Erich wrestling family is built on the foundation of hard work, dedication, and a love for the sport that was instilled in them by their parents. While Fritz was the face of the dynasty, Doris was its heart, providing the emotional support and stability that her family needed to thrive in the spotlight.
While the Von Erich wrestling dynasty brought fame and accolades, it also brought its share of trials and tribulations. Doris, being the silent pillar of strength, weathered these with grace and resilience, her love for her family unwavering. Her role in the dynasty was as crucial as any, and her contribution cannot be underestimated.
In the next section, we will explore in greater detail Doris Adkisson’s role in World Class Championship Wrestling, the family tragedies she faced, and her later years in Hawaii. Despite the challenges, Doris remained a symbol of strength and resilience, traits she passed on to her sons along with a love for wrestling.
Doris Adkisson’s Role in World Class Championship Wrestling
While Fritz Von Erich was the face of World Class Championship Wrestling, Doris Adkisson was the backbone. She was the quiet strength behind the scenes, providing unceasing support to her husband and sons. Despite her preference for a life away from the public eye, Doris often reluctantly made appearances on wrestling programs, standing by her family as they climbed the ladder of success in the wrestling world.
But Doris’s role in the family wrestling enterprise was more than just a supportive wife and mother. She was the glue that held the family together through intense pressure and public scrutiny. She handled the business aspects of their wrestling empire, ensuring the smooth functioning of the family’s wrestling promotion.
Family Tragedies and Strength
Amid the fame and glory, Doris and her family faced numerous tragedies, including the untimely deaths of several of her sons. First, the loss of her son, Jackie, who died from an accidental electrocution. The following years witnessed the deaths of her sons, David, Mike, and Chris under different circumstances. These tragedies would have broken a lesser person, but Doris demonstrated an incredible resilience, becoming a beacon of strength for her family.
Despite the pain and sorrow, Doris stood strong. She provided comfort and stability for her family, continuously demonstrating the power of resilience and the strength of a mother’s love. Her courage during these trying times was a testament to her indomitable spirit and her unwavering commitment to her family.
Later Years in Hawaii
In 2007, Doris moved to Hawaii due to her battle with emphysema. She lived with her son Kevin and his family on a 27-acre homestead in Kauai. In this tranquil setting, Doris found some peace away from the rigors and pressures of the wrestling world. She spent her time enjoying the serene beauty of Hawaii, surrounded by the love and care of her family.
Doris’s later years in Hawaii were a contrast to her eventful life in the wrestling world. It was a time of quiet reflection, away from the public gaze she had grown accustomed to. On October 23, 2015, Doris passed away surrounded by her loved ones. She was laid to rest at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas, next to her husband and several of her sons. Her life was a testament to resilience, strength, and unwavering love for her family, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Legacy and Impact on Wrestling
Doris Adkisson’s legacy extends far beyond being just the wife and mother of the famous Von Erich wrestling family. She was the constant source of support and strength for her family, helping them navigate the challenging world of professional wrestling. Her calm and composed demeanor, coupled with her unwavering love for her family, contributed significantly to the success of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty.
Under her watchful eye and caring influence, her sons became household names in the wrestling world. Kevin, David, Kerry, Mike, and Chris, each made their mark in the industry, carrying forward the wrestling legacy of their father, Fritz Von Erich. She was the anchor that kept her family grounded amidst their escalating fame and success. Doris’s influence has left a lasting impact on the wrestling world, and her legacy continues to inspire many.
Memorial and Funeral Services
Doris Adkisson passed away on October 23, 2015, in Kapaa, Hawaii. The news of her demise was a huge loss for the wrestling community and her family. She was laid to rest at the Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas, next to her husband and several of her sons, marking the end of an era for the Von Erich wrestling dynasty.
The memorial service was a respectful commemoration of a life lived with strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to family. The wrestling community came together to bid farewell to the matriarch of one of professional wrestling’s most celebrated families, acknowledging her significant contributions to the wrestling world.
Conclusion
The story of Doris Adkisson is one of resilience, strength, and love. Despite the fame and success her family achieved, Doris never lost sight of what truly mattered – her family. Through the many ups and downs, she remained a constant source of support for her husband and sons, making her an indispensable part of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty.
Her legacy continues to live on through the wrestling world, reminding us of the power of resilience, the strength of a mother’s love, and the importance of family. Doris Adkisson may not have been in the wrestling ring herself, but her influence and impact on the wrestling world are undeniable.
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