Stanley Herman "Stan" Williams was an American professional wrestler, author, former collegiate football player, and amateur wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, known by his iconic nickname "Dr. Death", which he earned in junior high school.
Throughout his illustrious career, Williams achieved numerous accolades, including winning the UWF World Heavyweight Championship twice and the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship once, solidifying his status as a three-time professional wrestling world heavyweight champion.
Williams' remarkable tag team success was evident in both Japan and North America, with notable partners such as Terry Gordy and Vader, as he captured the World Tag Team Championship eight times and the NWA United States Tag Team Championship, among other titles.
In 2004, Williams underwent surgery for throat cancer, but made a triumphant return to the ring in 2005, defeating King Kaluha at WrestleReunion 2.
Subsequently, Williams made appearances on WWE's SmackDown! brand house show, Ohio Valley Wrestling, and Sooner World Class Wrestling, where he trained up-and-coming wrestlers and competed in various matches.
Williams also ventured into other pursuits, including working for Southwest Airlines in Colorado.
Following the passing of his longtime rival and friend Mitsuharu Misawa in 2009, Williams made the difficult decision to retire from professional wrestling after 27 years, with his final match taking place on August 15 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for Asylum Championship Wrestling, where he defeated Franco D'Angelo for the ACW Heavyweight Championship, subsequently vacating the title.
Sadly, Williams' health began to deteriorate as his throat cancer returned, and his last public appearance was at the K&S Wrestlefest Wrestling Convention on December 12, 2009, in Carteret, New Jersey.
Stanley Herman "Stan" Williams passed away on December 29, 2009, at the age of 49, at St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver, Colorado, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished professional wrestlers of his generation.
