Sailor Art Thomas
American professional wrestler and bodybuilder
About Sailor Art Thomas
Lived 1924 – 2003 (aged 79). Sailor Art Thomas was an American amateur wrestler, professional wrestler and bodybuilder.
Early life Thomas was born in Gurdon, Arkansas, the son of Alfred and Jessie (Lunon) Thomas. In 1935, he moved to Madison, Wisconsin. After his mother's death he was raised in a Wisconsin orphanage and in foster homes.
Merchant Marine career Thomas spent 27 months in the United States Merchant Marine. Serving in a construction battalion, Thomas helped build an airstrip in Guam.
In April 1972, Thomas won the WWA World Heavyweight Championship of the Indianapolis-based World Wrestling Association, defeating Baron von Raschke. The title was held up the next month after a bout between Thomas and von Raschke. Southwest Sports NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (2 times) World Wrestling Association WWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time) Worldwide Wrestling Associates WWA International Television Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Lou Thesz WWE WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2016)
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Important facts
People in Sailor Art Thomas's life
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Sailor Art Thomas's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Sailor Art Thomas?
American professional wrestler and bodybuilder (1924–2003)
When was Sailor Art Thomas born?
Sailor Art Thomas was born on 30 January 1924 in Gurdon.
When did Sailor Art Thomas die?
Sailor Art Thomas died on 20 March 2003.
What was Sailor Art Thomas's occupation?
Sailor Art Thomas was an amateur wrestler, professional wrestler and bodybuilder.
What nationality was Sailor Art Thomas?
Sailor Art Thomas was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Sailor Art Thomas
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Sailor Art Thomas. https://biography.guide/sailor-art-thomas/
MLA: "Sailor Art Thomas." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/sailor-art-thomas/.
Chicago: "Sailor Art Thomas." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/sailor-art-thomas/.
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