Career
He is the father of wrestlers Dory Funk Junior. and Terry Funk. Funk began his career as a professional wrestler after serving in the United States Navy during World World War II, starting in the southwest United States. He wrestled primarily in the Texas territories and the Central States territories during his career.
Mainly a junior heavyweight, he fought Iron Mike DiBiase, Mike Clancy, Danny Hodge and Verne Gagne.
Many of his wrestlers had played football at West Texas State University in nearby Canyon. Funk was also heavily involved with the Cal Farley Boys Ranch in Amarillo.
Funk died on June 3, 1973 at the age of 54 of a heart attack while demonstrating a wrestling hold at his home to a visitor. He was buried at Dreamland Cemetery in Canyon, Texas.
On July 15, 2006, Funk was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Newton, Iowa.
The award was accepted by Terry. Championship Wrestling from Florida
NWA Florida Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Jose Lothario
National Wrestling Alliance
NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2013)
NWA All-Star Wrestling
NWA Pacific Coast Tag Team Championship (Vancouver version) (2 times) - with Lou Thesz (1) and Pancho Pico (1)
NWA Western States Sports
NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Amarillo version) (2 times)
NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Amarillo version) (17 times)
NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Amarillo version) (7 times) - with Bob Geigel (1), Dick Hutton (1) and Ricky Romero (5)
NWA Southwest Tag Team Championship (4 times) - with Cowboy Carlos (2) and Bob Geigel (2)
NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).