Sailor Art Thomas
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Sailor Art Thomas (January 30 1924 - March 20 2003) was a bodybuilder working as a professional wrestler.
Arthur "Sailor Art" Thomas was born in Gurdon, Arkansas, as the son of Alfred and Jessie (Lunnon) Thomas. Early in his live he moved to Wisconsin. After his mother's death he grew up in a Sparta orphanage in Madison, Wisconsin.
After Merchant Marine service, he worked for the Greyhound Bus Lines and developed an interest in bodybuilding. He started to tour the USA with other bodybuilders. Madison promoter Jimmy Demetral recognized his wrestling talent and booked him for house shows. He debuted as a pro wrestler in 1943. This was a start of a long career. Between the 50s and the 70s he was one of only few afro-american pro wrestling stars. He continued to work as a wrestler until until the early 1980s.
With a height of 6' 1" and a weight of 255 lbs (at some times even 300lbs) he was feared for his bearhug.
Thomas had seven children. He died of cancer only a month after diagnosed with it.