'The Assassin' Jody Hamilton has passed away at the age of 82.
It was reported on Monday morning that Hamilton had entered hospice care before his reported passing on Monday afternoon.
News of his death was first made known by Doc Gallows.
R.I.P “The Assassin” Jody Hamilton. Thanks for the lessons, the memories, & the stories many of us will never forget. I hope you’re lighting a big cuban in the sky! -- pic.twitter.com/0ZTzrFHkXN
— “The Big LG” Doc Gallows (@The_BigLG) August 3, 2021
Hamilton is the father of famous referee Nick Patrick.
Patrick posted the following statement:
"It is with heavy heart that I make this post. At 2:16 today my father took his last breath on this earth. He passed comfortably, surrounded by the people that love him. Now our attention has to shift over to taking care of my mom. I want to thank everyone that sent out prayers and support for my family. I will put more information about pop out, but right now I'm kinda numb."
Hamilton is was one-half of The Assassins alongside Tom Renesto. The duo started in the 1960s. Renesto retired in the 1970s, but Hamilton continued the team and gimmick with various other wrestlers.
WWE put out the following statement:
WWE is saddened to learn that Jody Hamilton, known to fans as “The Assassin,” passed away at the age of 82.
Following in the footsteps of his brother Larry “The Missouri Mauler,” Hamilton transitioned from amateur boxing and broke into the world of wrestling in the 1950s. By 1958, The Hamilton Brothers had risen up the ranks of the New York based Capitol Wrestling and battled Antonino Rocca and Miguel Pérez in the main event at Madison Square Garden. Just 19 years old at the time, Jody became the youngest grappler to ever co-main event at The World’s Most Famous Arena.
Hamilton would go on to team with Tom Renesto to form the masked duo The Assassins and drew sellout crowds throughout the southeastern United States. The tandem became a force in Georgia Championship Wrestling and held the NWA Georgia Tag Team Titles a record-breaking 12 times.
After Renesto’s retirement, Hamilton would carry on the torch of The Assassins with Ernie Ladd and then “Hercules” Hernandez and claim a collection of tag team championships in the Central States and Mid-South Wrestling Promotions.
An injury forced Hamilton to step away from the ring, but with sports-entertainment in his blood, the veteran would blaze a new path with The Power Plant training center for WCW. Hamilton was instrumental in the development of legendary competitors such as Kevin Nash, Goldberg, Diamond Dallas Page and Big Show.
Following WWE’s acquisition of WCW, Hamilton would continue teaching future Superstars with Deep South Wrestling. His son Nick continued the family tradition as a referee for Georgia Championship Wrestling, WCW and WWE.
WWE extends its condolences to Hamilton’s family, friends and fans.
He wrestled throughout the NWA territories during his time as an active competitor. Hamilton retired in the late 1980s due to a back injury. He would join WCW as an agent and trainer. He was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame in 1994.
On behalf of Fightful, we would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Hamilton.
