In Memory of 2023

[Alflives]

3 minutes ago, thedestroyerofworlds said:

 

 

https://www.tmz.com/2023/05/17/wwe-legend-billy-graham-dead-dies/

 

 

 

LAUNCH GALLERY

Getty

BREAKING NEWS

WWE LEGEND BILLY GRAHAMDEAD AT 79

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5/17/2023 6:23 PM PT

WWE Hall of Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham has died ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Billy's family tells us he died Wednesday after being taken off life support. We're told Billy's wife and daughter were by his side when he passed.

WWE

As we reported ... Billy's wife Valerie announced Monday he had been in the ICU for three weeks as a result of various health issues. She said doctors wanted to take Billy off life support Monday night, but she initially refused.

Known for his prowess as a wrestler and a bodybuilder, Billy rose to fame back in the day wrestling for the American Wrestling Association and later the World Wrestling Federation.

Alamy

Billy mentored big-time wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Ric Flair and Jesse Ventura ... and in 2004 the WWE inducted Billy into its Hall of Fame.

Billy's recent health issues took a toll on his body ... his family says he lost 45 pounds while suffering from congestive heart failure, diabetes, hearing loss, and a significant infection in his ears and skull.

We're also told his kidneys were failing.

Tributes are now pouring in from across the wrestling world ... with Ric tweeting, "THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career!"

Billy was 79.

RIP

Superstar Billy Graham. Mrs Alf and I enjoyed watching the wresting back in the day. The characters, like Billy and the ones he mentored, were so good. Much better than today. 

[nuckin_futz]

 

[thedestroyerofworlds]

Liked his character Titus Pullo from HBO and BBC’s “Rome.”  It sucked how that show was cancelled.

 

https://www.thewrap.com/ray-stevenson-dies-punisher-rrr-rome/

Ray Stevenson, ‘Punisher: War Zone’ and ‘Rome’ Star, Dies at 58

The Irish actor recently played the villain in the Tollywood blockbuster ”RRR“

 

Ray Stevenson, a towering and imposing character actor best known for starring roles in “Punisher: War Zone” and the “Rome” television show, has died at the age of 58. While his passing has been confirmed by his publicists, the cause of death is currently undisclosed.

George Raymond Stevenson was born in Lisburn, Ireland, on May 25, 1964. He was the second of three sons, and his father was a Royal Air Force pilot. He moved to England at the age of 8 and eventually attended the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He graduated at the age of 29. Stevenson had been a regular fixture at the movies and on television since the early 1990s.

His breakout movie role came in 1998’s “The Theory of Flight,” in which he played a gigolo tasked with helping Helena Bonham Carter’s character lose her virginity. His most notable big screen roles include the title role in Lexi Alexander’s R-rated cult favorite “Punisher: War Zone,” Volstagg in Marvel’s “Thor” movies and real-life Irish-American mob figure Danny Greene in “Kill the Irishman.”

Stevenson had most recently made his Indian cinematic debut playing the imperialist bad guy in S.S. Rajamouli’s Tollywood smash “RRR.” His final completed film was “Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday,” co-starring Scott Adkins.

He co-starred as Titus Pullo in all 22 episodes of HBO and BBC’s “Rome.” His television resume is peppered with guest-starring roles and reoccurring appearances in the likes of “Dexter,” “The Walking Dead,” “Black Sails,’ various “Star Wars” animated shows and “Vikings.” He will next be seen in this summer’s Disney+ “Star Wars” series “Ahsoka.”

Stevenson had recently signed up to replace Kevin Spacey in the Genghis Khan action drama “1242: Gateway to the West,” in which he would have played a Hungarian Priest standing up against the Mongol army.

[thedestroyerofworlds]

 

[RUPERTKBD]

To me, Ray will always be Blackbeard.....RIP

[thedestroyerofworlds]

https://www.screengeek.net/2023/05/22/david-brandt-honest-work-meme-dead/

David Brandt, Man Famous For “Honest Work” Meme, Dies In Automobile Accident

David Brandt, the subject of the viral "It ain’t much, but it’s honest work " meme, has sadly passed away at the age of 76.

by Jacob Dressler

 

 May 22, 2023

 

 

 

David Brandt, known for having been the subject of the viral “Honest Work” internet meme, is confirmed to have died in an automobile crash. He was 76-years-old.

Brandt was hospitalized over the weekend after being involved in an automobile accident in Urbana, Illinois and later died due to the result of suffering several serious injuries. Of course, for those familiar with Brandt and the memes surrounding him, then they know that he left behind quite the legacy.

The aforementioned “Honest Work” meme first began circulating in 2012. “It ain’t much,” the meme often reads, “but it’s honest work.” The image, and its accompanying statement, originated at a Natural Resources Conservation Service event on Brandt’s own farm in Carroll, Ohio.

Naturally, David Brandt was rather fond of the meme and the impact it had on his work. In fact, he continued to use use the meme as a symbol for the work he and his family performed with their farm. The farm, which has consistently belonged to his family, is said to consist of 736 acres of no-till row crops and cover crops. As of this writing, the farm involves three different generations of his family.

Furthermore, Brandt’s work extended far past memes and his own farm. He often traveled the country to perform in different seminars and reports where he discussed agriculture and his family’s business. As such, the meme is just the tip of the iceberg for what he’s accomplished over his lifetime. It certainly goes to show what honest work can do.

His company Walnut Creek Seeds was owned and operated by Brandt alongside his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. As such, his legacy will continue to live on and it’s quite impressive to see what kind of career he’s led. Perhaps saying it “ain’t much” is an understatement.

David Brandt’s obituary can be read below:

 

Ohio agriculture has never before known a global cultural phenomenon quite like David Brandt, of Fairfield County, who passed away at the age of 76 from complications resulting from an automobile accident. 

He was known around the world as the face of a meme associated with honest work. In agricultural circles, Brandt will be remembered as a global leader in no-till, cover crops, soil health, nutrient dense crops, and direct marketing. Agriculturalists from around the world visited his Fairfield County farm each year to see his soils first-hand and learn from his many years of experience. He also traveled the world speaking about his farm. Brandt was a Vietnam veteran who returned home to farm in the late 1960s, but soon after his return, Brandt’s father died in a farming accident. He and his wife, Kendra (who passed away in 2020), were forced to sell the farm and start over with very little equipment. No-till was a way to reduce costs. Since then, Brandt’s use of no-till and cover crops has increased soil organic matter and decreased input costs dramatically. He has served as a conservation mentor to many. He farmed and operated Walnut Creek Seeds, with his son, daughter-in-law and grandson.

[Barnstorm]

Hope he enjoys an eternity rotting in hell;

 

[RUPERTKBD]

9 minutes ago, Barnstorm said:

Hope he enjoys an eternity rotting in hell;

 

Maybe six white Boomers can take him there....

[Gurn]

Rolf Harris

Gary Glitter

Jimmy Saville

 

I'll take, "people that should have been forced to stop breathing, years ago, for $1000; Alex"

[nuckin_futz]

RIP to a true legend.

[RUPERTKBD]

Just got this on my phone....a real shock...

[johngould21]

16 minutes ago, nuckin_futz said:

RIP to a true legend.

I regret never seeing her perform in concert. She is a legend.

[Gurn]

Sad news.

I never got to see her, but she had a reputation for putting on great shows.

Decades long career, full of great music.

 

so long to the best legs in show business.

 

Rip.

[Boudrias]

3 hours ago, nuckin_futz said:

RIP to a true legend.

Such a down to earth person. Her interviews were from the heart. RIP Tina you were more than special!

[thedestroyerofworlds]

Those of us who remember 80's wrestling know how important he was.  He was a top heal that helped to launch Hulk Hogan and others.  RIP

 

https://wrestlingnews-co.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/wrestlingnews.co/.amp/wwe-news/wwe-hall-of-famer-the-iron-sheik-has-passed-away?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From %1%24s&aoh=16861555235762&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwrestlingnews.co%2Fwwe-news%2Fwwe-hall-of-famer-the-iron-sheik-has-passed-away

WWE Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik Has Passed Away

WWE

We are sad to learn that WWE Hall of Famer and former WWF World Heavyweight Champion The Iron Sheik has passed away at 81 years old. The news broke via Sheik's official social media accounts. We send our deepest condolences to Sheik's family.

The full statement from his family is posted below:

Remembering The Iron Sheik

Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling. It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of The Iron Sheik, but we also take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Beyond the wrestling persona that the world knew so well, The Iron Sheik was a devoted family man. He cherished the love and support of his wife of 47 years Caryl, who stood by his side through thick and thin, offering unwavering encouragement throughout his life. Their bond was an anchor, providing him with the strength to face the challenges that life presented.

 

To his children, Tanya, Nikki, Marissa and son in law Eddie, he was not just a wrestling icon. He was a loving and dedicated father. He instilled in them the values of perseverance, determination, and the importance of following their dreams. The Iron Sheik's guidance and unwavering belief in their potential served as a driving force for his children, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.

The Iron Sheik's love also extended to his grandchildren,Marissa, Zahra, Alexis, Chloe and Niko who brought immeasurable joy into his life. As a doting Papa Sheik, he cherished every moment spent with them, creating memories that will forever be treasured. He shared his wisdom, humor, and zest for life with his grandchildren, leaving an incredible impression on their hearts.

The Iron Sheik, (whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri), transcended the realm of sports entertainment. With his larger-than-life persona, incredible charisma, and unparalleled in-ring skills, he captivated audiences around the globe. He was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for a diverse range of wrestlers who followed in his footsteps.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the squared circle, The Iron Sheik was a man of immense passion and dedication. He embodied resilience. He overcame countless challenges in his life, both inside and outside the wrestling ring. His journey from a small village in Iran to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the world of wrestling is a testament to his unwavering determination.

However, it was not just his in-ring prowess that defined him. The Iron Sheik was a beloved figure who was known for his humor, his larger-than-life personality, and his ability to connect with fans on a personal level. He embraced his role as a heel, becoming one of the most notorious villains in wrestling history... but he also won the hearts of millions with his charm and infectious spirit.

In the realm of family, love, and friendship, The Iron Sheik's bond with his nephews, Page and Jian Magen was unparalleled. They recognized the significance of their uncle's legacy and worked tirelessly to ensure that his impact would never be forgotten. They dedicated themselves to preserving his legacy, celebrating his accomplishments, and sharing his story with the world. Their unwavering commitment showcased the profound love and respect they have for him. These devoted nephews poured their hearts into honoring their uncle every single day, reflecting the profound love and admiration they hold for him. They understand the influence he has had on countless lives and embrace the responsibility of carrying forward his legacy. Through their heartfelt dedication, they ensured that The Iron Sheik's impact would continue to resonate for generations to come.

Throughout his career, The Iron Sheik became a cultural phenomenon, transcending the realm of professional wrestling to become a pop culture icon. His memorable catchphrases and unforgettable moments are etched into the memories of fans worldwide. He left an indelible mark on the industry, and his influence can still be felt in the world of wrestling today.

 

As we bid farewell to The Iron Sheik, let us remember him not only for his athletic prowess but also for the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of fans, as well as in the annals of wrestling history.

To his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his larger-than-life presence, we offer our deepest condolences. May you find solace in the knowledge that The Iron Sheik's legacy will forever be cherished and celebrated. Rest in peace, dear Sheik, and thank you for the memories.

[nuckin_futz]

Can't say I'm real upset about this.

[RUPERTKBD]

1 hour ago, nuckin_futz said:

Can't say I'm real upset about this.

Calls for opening a bottle of scotch if you ask me....

[thedestroyerofworlds]

2 hours ago, nuckin_futz said:

Can't say I'm real upset about this.

Man, I wish a number of these guys would just die.  These grifters have caused so much damage, I'm not sure we will ever see it repaired.

[Boudrias]

6 hours ago, thedestroyerofworlds said:

Man, I wish a number of these guys would just die.  These grifters have caused so much damage, I'm not sure we will ever see it repaired.

Sad. Why would you wish death on anyone? 

[RUPERTKBD]

4 minutes ago, Boudrias said:

Sad. Why would you wish death on anyone? 

I'm sure there would be disagreement on exactly who those people might be, but I believe that there are people who would immediately make the world a better place by leaving it.