Abe Jacobs, age 95

Abe Jacobs, age 95, of Charlotte, passed away, Monday, August 21, 2023.

Abe was born June 18, 1928 in Chatham Islands, New Zealand to the late Robert Steele Jacobs and Amelia Jacobs. Quoting Wikipedia, "He was one of the first men to follow fellow New Zealander Pat O'Connor to the United States where, like O'Connor, Jacobs became a major star in the National Wrestling Alliance during the "Golden Age of Wrestling". One of the most recognizable "babyfaces" during this period, he was billed as the "Jewish Heavyweight Champion" and wrestled in a number of high-profile matches with many stars of the era. Jacobs was also an established journeyman wrestler, touring Europe and Japan on several occasions, travelling around the world 4 times and wrestling over 8,000 matches in his 30-year career. He spent the final years of his career in the Carolinas where he became a mainstay for Jim Crockett's NWA Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling during the 70s and early 80s. Best remembered by "modern" American wrestling fans as an undercard wrestler, he was the first opponent of "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair when making his debut in the promotion in 1974. Jacobs is credited for creating the "Kiwi Leg Roll". He was widely respected in the industry, managing Ricky Steamboat's gym during the 90s, and was officially inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame in 2008.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dolly Nielson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Evelyn Murray Jacobs and her sons, Reggie Hammond (Joyce) and Richard Hammond of Tampa, FL; son, Robert Jacobs (Vicki) and several grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mae Stevens (Ronnie) of Rutherfordton.

The funeral service was held August 29 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place in New Zealand on a later date.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.