Art thomas sailor seaman wrestling shoes

American professional wrestler and bodybuilder

Arthur Thomas (January 30, 1924 – March 20, 2003), better known as Sailor Art Thomas or Seaman Art Thomas, was an American Merchant Mariner, bodybuilder, and professional wrestler.

A WWA World Heavyweight Champion, Thomas was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.^[1][2]

Early life

Thomas was born in Gurdon, Arkansas, the son of Alfred and Jessie (Lunon) Thomas.

In 1935, he moved to Madison, Wisconsin.

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After his mother's death he was raised in a Wisconsin orphanage and in foster homes.^[4][5]

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.^[5]

Professional wrestling career

After leaving the Merchant Marine, Thomas worked for Greyhound Lines before becoming a professional bodybuilder.

After joining a body