Former NWA Champion Flying Fred Curry Passes Away At Age 82

The wrestling world has lost a veteran champion, as former NWA titleholder Flying Fred Curry has passed away at the age of 82.

The news was confirmed by Bobby Fulton, who announced Curry’s passing and paid tribute to the longtime star known for his technical skill and explosive offense inside the ring.

"The legendary “Flying” Fred Curry, one of the first “high flyers” in wrestling has passed! He helped me with many opportunities! He’ll be deeply missed & my heart is broken! My prayers for his wife, children & family! I’ll have further details of his life on my Facebook!"

Fred Curry, whose real name was Fred Thomas Koury Jr., was the son of notorious heel “Wild” Bill Curry and followed directly in his father’s footsteps into the wrestling business. He began his career in the 1960s, quickly gaining attention for his speed and especially his dropkicks, which became his signature move. At the time, Curry’s rapid-fire dropkick combinations were considered among the best in the business.

Curry spent much of his career competing throughout the Midwest and Texas territories during the height of the territorial era. Early in his run, he teamed with his father, and the duo captured the NWA International Tag Team Championship as well as the Detroit version of the NWA World Tag Team Championship. He later held those same Detroit titles alongside Tony Marino.

During his time in Texas, Curry regularly teamed with Fritz Von Erich and became a familiar name in the region. He also had a notable feud in Big Time Wrestling against The Original Sheik over the United States Championship, further cementing his role as a respected babyface competitor during that era.

In the late 1970s, Curry transitioned to the WWWF, where he continued working as a fan favorite. During that stretch, he teamed with stars like Ivan Putski and competed against teams and wrestlers including The Valiants, Johnny Rodz, Victor Rivera, and Baron Mikel Scicluna.

Curry’s legacy stretches back to one of wrestling’s most influential eras, where his high-flying style and championship success helped define the fast-paced offense that many wrestlers use today.

Fred Curry’s passing marks the loss of another respected name from wrestling’s territorial days, leaving behind a legacy built on speed, skill, and championship success.

What are your memories of Flying Fred Curry and his contributions to wrestling history? Let us know your thoughts and share your feedback in the comments.