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Jimmy Del Ray
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David Everett Ferrier (November 30, 1962 – December 6, 2014) was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, "Gigolo" Jimmy Del Ray. Del Ray was best known for his appearances in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as one half of the Heavenly Bodies with his tag team partner, Tom Prichard.[3][2]

Key Information

Professional wrestling career

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Early career (1985–1993)

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Ferrier was trained by the Mighty Yankee and debuted in 1985 as "Jimmy Richland", which most thought was his real name. In the late 1980s, Del Ray joined Championship Wrestling from Florida as "Jomo Kenya". He later changed his ring name to "Jimmy Backlund" and formed a tag team with Brett Sawyer known as "The Playboys". The Playboys were awarded the vacant FCW Tag Team Championship on July 1, 1989. They held the titles until August 22, when they were defeated by the Nasty Boys. From 1989 to 1991 he worked in Japan for Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling. On November 22, 1991, he worked for WWF as Jimmy Richland losing to Skinner on a house show. In 1992, he worked for W*ING.

Smoky Mountain Wrestling (1993–1995)

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See also: Heavenly Bodies

In January 1993 Del Ray joined Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW), where he replaced Stan Lane as one half of the Heavenly Bodies with Tom Prichard.[1] He was given the name Jimmy Del Ray because Lane was billed during his career as being from Delray Beach, Florida. The Heavenly Bodies were managed by James E. Cornette and won the SMW Tag Team Championship on three occasions.[1][4] Cornette put the "Gigolo" moniker on his name as a play off his physique. While Del Ray was an agile and able wrestler at the time, he had a slightly pudgy midsection that shook, or "jiggled" when he did a taunting dance. Del Ray would work with SMW until the company shut down in December 1995.

World Wrestling Federation (1993–1995)

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See also: Heavenly Bodies

Along with Cornette, the Heavenly Bodies debuted in the World Wrestling Federation in 1993. They made their first televised appearance on the August 9, 1993 episode of Monday Night Raw, defeating Bobby Who and Mike Bucci.[5] They made two more appearances on Raw that year; they were defeated by World Tag Team Champions The Steiner Brothers in a title match on August 30, and were victorious over Mark Thomas and Scott Taylor on August 4. At SummerSlam 1993 on August 30, the Heavenly Bodies faced the Steiner Brothers with the World Tag Team Championship on the line, but were defeated.[6]

At the 1993 Survivor Series on November 24 in the Boston Garden, the Heavenly Bodies faced the Rock 'n' Roll Express for the SMW Tag Team Championship. Though the Rock 'N Roll Express appeared to have the match won, the Heavenly Bodies defeated them after Del Ray struck Robert Gibson with Cornette's tennis racket while the referee was distracted, enabling Prichard to pin Gibson and win the titles.[5]

At WrestleMania X on March 20, 1994, in Madison Square Garden, the Heavenly Bodies defeated The Bushwhackers in a dark match.[7] They returned to WWF television on the April 25 episode of Raw, defeating John Paul and Jason Headings.

At the 1994 Survivor Series on November 23, the Heavenly Bodies took part in a ten-man survivor match, teaming with Bam Bam Bigelow, Tatanka, and King Kong Bundy as Ted DiBiase's "Million Dollar Team". The Million Dollar Team defeated their opponents, "Guts and Glory" (Lex Luger, Mabel, Adam Bomb, and the Smoking Gunns), although both Prichard and Del Ray were eliminated from the match.[8] Prichard and Del Ray both participated in the 30 man Royal Rumble match on January 22, 1995.[5] He was eliminated by British Bulldog. They made sporadic appearances on Raw over the next year, with their final appearance being a loss to The Smoking Gunns on the March 20, 1995 episode of Raw.[5] Jimmy Del Ray lost a singles match to Bret Hart on Superstars on April 25, 1995. Del Ray's last WWF match was a loss to Intercontinental champion Shawn Michaels on Raw July 24, 1995.

United States Wrestling Association (1995)

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See also: Heavenly Bodies

After WWF, Del Ray and Prichard went to United States Wrestling Association where they defeated PG-13 (J. C. Ice and Wolfie D) to capture the USWA Tag Team Championship. They would feud with PG-13.

Extreme Championship Wrestling (1995–1996)

[edit]
See also: Heavenly Bodies

The Heavenly Bodies made several appearances in Extreme Championship Wrestling in December 1995 as members of Raven's Nest. At December To Dismember: Ultimate Jeopardy on December 9, the Heavenly Bodies faced Raven's enemies, the Public Enemy, in a tag team bout. The match had stipulations applying to the losers - if the Public Enemy lost, they would face one another later that night, while if the Heavenly Bodies lost, the Eliminators (members of Raven's Nest) would be forced to leave ECW, while their manager, Jason, would have his head shaved. Moreover, if the Heavenly Bodies were defeated, then Raven's valet, Beulah McGillicutty, would be forced to spend a week with Tommy Dreamer, while Raven's Nest member Stevie Richards would be locked in a steel cage for five minutes with the winners of the Ultimate Jeopardy match later that night. The Heavenly Bodies lost their match, leading to the enforcement of the aforementioned stipulations. Later that evening, Raven, Richards, the Eliminators, and the Heavenly Bodies faced Dreamer, the Pitbulls, and the Public Enemy in an ultimate jeopardy match. The match was won by Dreamer, who pinned Richards. Richards was subsequently locked in the cage with Dreamer's team, but Raven and his Nest attacked Dreamer's team before they could hurt him. Raven's Nest then attacked Dreamer's team until The Sandman drove them away.

After December to Dismember the Heavenly Bodies disbanded when Tom Prichard went back to WWF. Del Ray lost to Bubba Ray Dudley at House Party, while he was managed by Mr. Hughes.

World Championship Wrestling (1996–1997)

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In October 1996, Del Ray joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as Jimmy Graffiti.[9] He was part of the cruiserweight division and competed against Dean Malenko, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, and Billy Kidman. He took part in the three ring battle royal at the 1996 World War 3 event on November 24. Del Ray remained in WCW until a knee injury forced him to retire in 1997.

Retirement (1997–2014)

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After retiring, he worked as an instructor in Steve Keirn's Floridian professional wrestling school for several years,[2] training wrestlers such as Buck Quartermain and Steve Madison, and managed a tag team known as The New Heavenly Bodies. Del Ray later retired from training wrestlers and started a hardwood flooring company named Ferrier's Fine Flooring Inc. in Tampa, Florida in March 2006. In September 2013, he registered another Tampa company called Ferrier's Flooring Inc.

Death

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Ferrier, who lived in Valrico, Florida, died at the Tampa General Hospital on December 6, 2014. He was 52 years old. Ferrier had suffered a heart attack at the wheel of his truck on US 301 near the Florida State Fairgrounds. Two days later, WWE.com noted his death and offered condolences to his friends, family and colleagues.[10]

Championships and accomplishments

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jimmy Del Ray

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Jimmy Del Ray (November 30, 1962 – December 6, 2014) was an American professional wrestler best known by his ring name "Gigolo" Jimmy Del Ray, particularly for his tenure as one half of the tag team the Heavenly Bodies alongside Tom Prichard in promotions including the United States Wrestling Association (USWA), Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). Born David Everett Ferrier in Grove City, Pennsylvania, he debuted in professional wrestling in 1983 and competed under various ring names, including Jimmy Backlund early in his career and Jimmy Graffiti during a stint in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Del Ray gained prominence in the early 1990s through the Heavenly Bodies, a heel tag team managed by Jim Cornette, which dominated in SMW and USWA by capturing multiple tag team championships, including three reigns as SMW Tag Team Champions (two in 1993–1994 and one in 1995). The duo's style blended technical wrestling with brawling, often featuring Del Ray's flamboyant "gigolo" persona, complete with flashy attire and arrogant promos. Their most notable WWF run came in 1993, where they defeated the Rock 'n' Roll Express at Survivor Series to win the SMW Tag Team Championship on a WWF pay-per-view, marking the first non-WWF title defended and captured on such an event. After leaving WWF in 1995, Del Ray appeared in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and WCW before retiring from in-ring competition in 1997. In his later years, Ferrier transitioned to training and managing wrestlers but ultimately operated a hardwood flooring company in . He died at age 52 from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle in Tampa, where his truck veered off U.S. Highway 301 and struck a tree, reportedly after suffering a heart attack at the wheel.

Early life and training

Childhood and family background

David Everett Ferrier was born on November 30, 1962, in Grove City, . Ferrier was raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Simmons. He had several siblings, including brothers Ed Cogswell and Doug Williamson, as well as sisters Judy Rodriguez, Bonnie Wilson, Candy Williamson, and Nicole Procunier.

Initial training and debut

David Ferrier, who would later become known as Jimmy Del Ray, decided to pursue a career in during the mid-1980s amid the declining territorial era, when regional promotions like those in offered entry points for aspiring performers. At age 22, he began training under the guidance of veteran wrestler The Mighty Yankee, focusing on the fundamentals of the industry in the early 1980s circuits around and . Ferrier made his professional debut in 1985 with (CWF), adopting the Jimmy Backlund to start his career as an enhancement talent, often jobbing to established stars to build their momentum. His initial matches were untelevised house shows in the , where he honed his in-ring presence against local competitors. Early on, he also experimented with the persona Jimmy Richland, wrestling in preliminary bouts that helped him gain experience without drawing significant attention. In his first few years, Ferrier transitioned to other ring names like Jomo Kenya by the late , continuing to work as a jobber and occasional midcard performer across independent promotions. These early roles solidified his foundation in the business, allowing him to adapt to various styles while navigating the competitive landscape of regional wrestling.

Professional wrestling career

Early independent career (1983–1993)

Del Ray debuted in professional wrestling in 1983, initially competing in small independent promotions across the under pseudonyms such as Jomo and Jimmy Richland to establish his presence in regional territories. Drawing briefly from his foundational training in , he honed basic technical skills before focusing on the Florida circuit, where he adopted the Jimmy Backlund in late 1988. As a singles competitor, Backlund captured the PWF on December 10, 1988, holding it until May 1989, which marked his early success in lightweight divisions without a significant push toward stardom. He followed this with a stint in the (AWA), defeating Katsuji Ueda on November 5, 1990, to win the AWA World , which he defended primarily in U.S. independent shows before losing it on May 29, 1991. Transitioning toward tag team wrestling around 1989, Del Ray—still as Jimmy Backlund—formed a key partnership with , adopting the gimmick of "" in Florida's Professional Wrestling Federation (PWF), a rebranded extension of (FCW). The duo employed early tactics, including cheap shots and interference, to antagonize crowds in regional venues, emphasizing flashy, cocky personas over pure athleticism. This collaboration culminated in their winning the PWF in July 1989, awarded after a series of victories in house shows, though they dropped the titles to on August 22, 1989, in . The Playboys' run highlighted Del Ray's shift from singles undercard bouts to structured dynamics, where his agile style complemented Sawyer's brawling approach. Throughout 1989–1993, Del Ray toured independent circuits in the southeastern U.S., including brief appearances in Mid-South Wrestling and other NWA-affiliated territories like , often as an enhancement talent or mid-card tag performer without major singles opportunities. These stints involved sporadic matches against established teams, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable who prioritized synergy over individual accolades, setting the stage for his later specialization. Despite consistent bookings in and adjacent promotions, Del Ray received no significant singles push, instead building experience through heel-oriented tag roles that emphasized cunning distractions and quick tags.

Smoky Mountain Wrestling (1993–1996)

In 1993, Jimmy Del Ray joined (SMW) and replaced as Tom Prichard's partner in the Heavenly Bodies , with the duo debuting together on May 22 under the management of . The team quickly established themselves as top heels, drawing on Del Ray's prior independent experience to adopt a cocky, flamboyant style that emphasized coordinated attacks and interference from their manager. The Heavenly Bodies captured the SMW Tag Team Championship on three occasions during their tenure. Their first reign began on November 24, 1993, when they defeated the Rock 'n' Roll Express ( and Robert Gibson) in a high-profile match at WWF Survivor Series, holding the titles for 86 days until losing them to the same opponents on February 18, 1994. They regained the belts the following day on February 19, 1994, in a rematch, defending successfully in several bouts before dropping them again to the Rock 'n' Roll Express on April 1, 1994, in a loser-leaves-town steel cage match that concluded their second 41-day reign. Their third and final SMW Tag Team Championship reign started on August 4, 1995, after defeating The Thugs ( and ), lasting 113 days until November 25, 1995. During this period, they made notable defenses, including against teams like the Rock 'n' Roll Express in no-disqualification and street fight stipulations that highlighted Southern-style brawling. The Heavenly Bodies' run in SMW was defined by an intense, long-running feud with the Rock 'n' Roll Express, featuring Cornette's provocative antics such as verbal taunts, loaded racket attacks, and interference to protect his charges. This rivalry produced some of SMW's most memorable matches, emphasizing gritty, regional wrestling traditions with crowd-baiting psychology and physical confrontations. As SMW faced financial difficulties and ceased operations on November 26, 1995, the Heavenly Bodies made their final appearances in the promotion during its waning months, solidifying their legacy as one of the territory's most dominant acts.

World Wrestling Federation appearances (1993–1995)

Jimmy Del Ray entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1993 as part of the Heavenly Bodies tag team, alongside and under the management of , adapting their established Southern-style partnership from to the national stage. Their WWF debut occurred at on August 30, 1993, where they challenged the for the WWF World Tag Team Championship in a high-energy match that showcased Del Ray's agile offense, including moonsaults, but ended in defeat via pinfall after 9:12, with the Steiners retaining the titles. This appearance highlighted the Bodies' role as credible heels capable of competing against top champions, though without securing WWF gold. Throughout late 1993 and into 1994, Del Ray and Prichard made sporadic televised and house show appearances, primarily functioning as enhancement talent to elevate main roster stars while maintaining their coordinated tag team dynamic. At Survivor Series on November 24, 1993, the Heavenly Bodies defeated the Rock 'n' Roll Express to win the SMW Tag Team Championship on the WWF pay-per-view card, utilizing heel tactics like interference from Cornette to secure the victory after 10:35. They participated in house shows across the U.S., often losing to teams like the Smoking Gunns or singles stars such as Bret Hart, with Del Ray's matches emphasizing quick, stiff strikes and aerial maneuvers to put over opponents. In a dark match at WrestleMania X on March 20, 1994, the duo defeated the Bushwhackers, providing an untelevised showcase of their technical prowess. At Survivor Series 1994, Del Ray teamed with Prichard, Bam Bam Bigelow, Tatanka, and King Kong Bundy in a losing elimination match against a babyface team, where he was eliminated by Lex Luger. Del Ray retained his "Gigolo" persona in WWF, characterized by flamboyant mannerisms and a sleazy demeanor that contrasted his in-ring precision, appealing to audiences familiar with his SMW work. In early 1995, the Heavenly Bodies advanced in the WWF Tag Team Title tournament by defeating before falling to the 1-2-3 Kid and Bob Holly; Del Ray also entered the Royal Rumble match on January 22, 1995, as the fifth participant but was quickly eliminated by the British Bulldog after just 1:24. His WWF tenure concluded with singles losses, including a squash to on Superstars on April 29, 1995, and a non-title defeat to Intercontinental Champion on the July 24, 1995, episode of Monday Night Raw via superkick at 5:23, marking the end of his involvement without any championship pursuits.

United States Wrestling Association and Extreme Championship Wrestling (1995–1996)

In 1995, Jimmy Del Ray, teaming with as the Heavenly Bodies, captured the from PG-13 ( and ) on August 7 in , marking a significant title win in their ongoing feud with the hip-hop duo. The victory highlighted their technical prowess and heel tactics, defended against PG-13 in subsequent matches that escalated the rivalry with interference from manager . Their reign ended when they lost the titles to The Moondogs ( and Spot) on September 18, 1995, in . Later that year, Del Ray and Prichard transitioned to (ECW) in December 1995, aligning with stable under leader to bolster the faction's numbers against rivals like and . This move introduced their Southern wrestling style—characterized by precise tandem maneuvers and mat-based offense—into ECW's emerging hardcore environment, creating a unique contrast in the promotion's tag division. A pivotal moment came at ECW's December to Dismember event on December 9, 1995, where the Heavenly Bodies, representing , suffered a decisive pinfall loss to (Johnny Grunge and ) in an eight-minute tag team match, reinforcing their role as committed heels in the stable's territorial war. The defeat, amid the event's chaotic atmosphere including a subsequent multi-man steel cage "Ultimate Jeopardy" involving the Nest, solidified Del Ray's antagonistic persona and integrated him further into ECW storylines centered on faction loyalty and betrayals. Throughout 1996, Del Ray continued sporadic ECW appearances, participating in tag and singles bouts that blended the Bodies' coordinated attacks with the promotion's weapon-heavy brawls, such as early-year house show encounters tied to dynamics before his eventual departure. These matches, often against Dudley Family members or rising stars like Sabu, emphasized Del Ray's adaptability in feuds that tested the limits of traditional tag wrestling against ECW's unorthodox violence.

World Championship Wrestling (1996–1997)

In October 1996, Jimmy Del Ray debuted in (WCW) under the new ring name Jimmy Graffiti, entering the cruiserweight division with a street-tough persona marked by neon attire and graffiti-inspired aesthetics. This rebranding shifted him from his prior and hardcore roots toward a more agile, high-flying style suited to WCW's emphasis on international cruiserweight talent. Graffiti quickly engaged in competitive bouts that highlighted his adaptability, including a loss to on the October 21 episode of , where he incorporated aerial maneuvers like dropkicks and arm drags to challenge the established champion. He followed with a victory over The Cheetah Kid on a taped edition of on October 26, demonstrating quick reversals and top-rope attacks. Subsequent matches included defeats to Rey Mysterio Jr. on the October 28 Nitro—featuring Mysterio's innovative hurricanranas countered by Graffiti's springboard attempts—and to on a October 30 Saturday Night taping, underscoring his efforts to blend technical prowess with cruiserweight flair. Graffiti's WCW run peaked with participation in the 60-man at the November 24 event, where he competed across three rings in the annual elimination-style match before being eliminated. On December 9, 1996, he challenged Malenko for the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship on Nitro but lost via submission, further showcasing his resilience with dives and holds despite the outcome. This contrasted his brief ECW hardcore exposure by prioritizing speed and precision over brawling. Graffiti's final televised match came on January 5, 1997, against on , ending in defeat and marking the close of his active cruiserweight push. Later in 1997, a severe sustained during training forced his retirement from full-time wrestling, sidelining him from WCW and ending his competitive career at age 31.

Semi-retirement and final appearances (1997–2014)

Following a knee injury sustained while competing in , Del Ray retired from full-time in-ring competition in 1997, marking the end of his active wrestling career. In the years that followed, Del Ray shifted his focus to behind-the-scenes contributions within , primarily serving as a trainer for aspiring wrestlers. He joined Steve Keirn's school in as an instructor, where he mentored young talents and emphasized technical skills and ring psychology drawn from his own experience as a specialist. This role allowed him to remain connected to the industry without the physical demands of performing, contributing to the development of several performers during the late 1990s and early . Del Ray also made occasional non-wrestling appearances on the independent scene, including as a manager for the New Heavenly Bodies (Chris Nelson and Vito DeNucci) in promotions such as NWA Florida, where he guided the duo in matches during events like February Fury around 2001. These sporadic roles highlighted his continued influence in , often evoking nostalgia for his Heavenly Bodies days, though he avoided returning to the ring due to ongoing knee issues. By 2008, Del Ray had largely stepped away from wrestling activities to focus on personal matters.

In wrestling

Ring style and signature moves

Del Ray employed a technician's style infused with high-flying agility, positioning him as a versatile midcard performer who thrived in roles as a cunning . His approach emphasized precise execution, dramatic selling to heighten match tension, and heelish taunts that drew crowd heat, blending foundational technical holds with explosive aerial risks to control pacing and in multi-man bouts. Among his signature maneuvers, Del Ray frequently utilized the —often as a running senton variant—for high-impact finishes, alongside the Asai moonsault for outside-the-ring dives and a sharp superkick to stagger opponents. In scenarios with partners like as the Heavenly Bodies, he excelled at coordinated double-team attacks, leveraging quick tags and simultaneous strikes to isolate foes and build momentum. These elements underscored his reputation as an all-around solid worker capable of elevating opponents through structured sequences. Del Ray adapted his agile foundation across promotions, incorporating brawling intensity in ECW's hardcore environment—such as weapon-assisted clashes against teams like —while retaining technical precision. In WCW's cruiserweight ranks under the Jimmy Graffiti moniker, he leaned into fluid, high-flying spots suited to fast-paced divisions, though his style shone brightest in collaborative tag formats rather than solo power confrontations.

Gimmicks and nicknames

Jimmy Del Ray's most prominent gimmick was that of "Gigolo" Jimmy Del Ray, a flamboyant portraying an arrogant with a focus on seductive charisma, flashy ring attire, and provocative entrance mannerisms including gyrating dance moves popularized by manager . This persona debuted prominently in in 1993, where Del Ray replaced as one half of the Heavenly Bodies alongside , emphasizing his role as a sleazy through boastful promos and womanizing implications tied to the character's backstory of catering to affluent women. Throughout his career, Del Ray's nicknames and personas evolved to fit different promotions and booking needs. Early on, from 1984 to 1993, he competed under names like Jimmy Backlund and , often as an enhancement talent taking high-impact bumps to elevate opponents. The "Gigolo" moniker defined his mid-1990s peak, but in from late 1996, he was rebranded as Jimmy Graffiti, a short-lived character depicted as an urban spray-paint artist who incorporated tagging motions into his entrances and matches. He briefly used Jim Richland in 1997 before retiring from full-time competition. Del Ray's gimmicks were amplified through faction affiliations, particularly as part of in during late 1995. Teaming with Prichard as the Heavenly Bodies, Del Ray's archetype bolstered the stable's chaotic, rebellious dynamic under Raven's leadership, portraying him as a opportunistic hanger-on in the group's interpersonal mind games and attacks. Within the Heavenly Bodies, Del Ray's flamboyant, womanizing persona created a compelling contrast with Prichard's more calculated "Dr. Tom" character, blending sleazy allure with pseudo-professional bravado to form a cohesive yet internally tense villainous that dominated midcard feuds through cheating tactics and coordinated aggression. This duality enhanced their impact as heels, allowing Del Ray to lean into over-the-top arrogance while Prichard's straight-man role grounded the duo's antics.

Personal life

Family relationships

Del Ray was married to Debra Myrick for 20 years at the time of his death. He had a , Ashley Silverman. Little public information exists about his marriage or family life, reflecting his private nature away from the wrestling spotlight. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Simmons. Del Ray was survived by several siblings, including brothers Ed Cogswell and Doug Williamson, and sisters Judy Rodriguez, Bonnie Wilson, Candy Williamson, and Nicole Procunier, as well as members such as cousin Cheryl Emmett and brother-in-law Thomas Myrick. After relocating from to the Tampa area in during his career, he remained connected to his family, who provided support through his transitions into semi-retirement and local business ownership.

Post-wrestling business ventures

After retiring from full-time wrestling involvement in the late 1990s, David Ferrier, professionally known as Jimmy Del Ray, established a primary career in the flooring industry by founding Ferrier's Fine Flooring Inc. in Tampa, Florida, in March 2006. The company, specializing in hardwood and fine flooring installations, served as his main source of income, with Ferrier listed as the principal officer and registered agent at a business address on East Adamo Drive in Tampa. He later registered a second entity, Ferrier's Flooring Inc., in September 2013, also based in Tampa, indicating expansion or diversification within the local market. Ferrier relocated to the Tampa area, including residences in Valrico and Brandon, to support both his growing family and the establishment of his flooring enterprises, creating a stable long-term base until his death in 2014. As owner of Ferrier's Fine Flooring in Brandon, he managed operations focused on residential and commercial installations, balancing this entrepreneurial role with occasional wrestling-related activities such as instructing at Keirn's school in the Tampa region. The business provided Ferrier with steady employment outside wrestling, though specific challenges like market competition in Florida's construction sector are not detailed in ; his continued registration of companies through suggests sustained operational success. During semi-retirement, he occasionally managed wrestling talents on independent circuits while prioritizing his ventures as the core of his post-wrestling livelihood.

Death and legacy

Circumstances of death

David Ferrier, professionally known as Jimmy Del Ray, died on December 6, 2014, at the age of 52, following a sudden heart attack while driving in . The incident occurred when Ferrier suffered the heart attack at the wheel of his Ford F-150 truck on U.S. Highway 301 near the Florida State Fairgrounds, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road and collide with a lamp post and fence. He was a longtime resident of the . Emergency responders discovered Ferrier at the scene and rushed him to for immediate medical attention, but he succumbed to the heart attack and injuries sustained in the crash later that evening. His family was notified promptly after the accident, and the circumstances surrounding his death were handled privately, with no prior public indications of health concerns immediately preceding the event. A private memorial service for Ferrier was held on December 12, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, located at 2323 West Brandon Boulevard in , within Hillsborough County. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the or the . Specific burial details remain unknown.

Tributes and influence on wrestling

Following Jimmy Del Ray's death, WWE released a statement expressing condolences and acknowledging his role as one half of The Heavenly Bodies with , managed by , which thrilled and infuriated audiences throughout the early to mid-1990s while achieving significant success in (SMW), including multiple title wins and the distinction of capturing the first non-WWE championship on a WWE event at 1993. Peers paid tribute to Del Ray's memory in the aftermath. Jim Cornette, who managed The Heavenly Bodies during their SMW run, praised Del Ray's unparalleled work ethic, noting that "nobody worked harder inside the ring in " and crediting his relentless dedication—despite leading to multiple surgeries and early retirement—for earning him national exposure in the WWF, where he challenged for the titles at 1993. Tom Prichard, Del Ray's longtime partner, reflected on their partnership in subsequent interviews, highlighting Del Ray's reliability and the innovative chemistry that defined The Heavenly Bodies' performances across SMW and WWF. Del Ray's legacy endures as a key figure in the evolution of s, with The Heavenly Bodies exemplifying psychological depth through calculated cheating, interference tactics, and character-driven rivalries that set a template for modern duos emphasizing mind games over pure athleticism. Their SMW feuds, particularly against The Rock 'n' Roll Express, showcased brutal, story-rich matches that influenced tag team storytelling in independent and major promotions. In post-2014 wrestling media discussions, Del Ray's talent is often cited as underutilized beyond SMW and brief WWF stints, with commentators like Cornette emphasizing how his technical prowess and commitment anchored SMW's tag division during its peak, contributing to the promotion's reputation for gritty, Southern-style wrestling that bridged territorial and national eras. These reflections underscore his foundational impact on regional wrestling's tag team heritage, even as major promotions overlooked his potential for a longer singles push.

Championships and accomplishments

Tag team championships

Jimmy Del Ray's primary success in professional wrestling came through partnerships, particularly as part of The Heavenly Bodies with , though his earliest title win occurred in (FCW). In 1989, Del Ray, then performing as Jim Backlund, teamed with as . They were awarded the vacant FCW Tag Team Championship on July 1, 1989, following the departure of previous champions from the promotion. The duo defended the titles successfully in regional events before losing them to on August 22, 1989, in , ending their 52-day reign. This brief championship run provided Del Ray with early exposure in the and highlighted his potential as a competitor. Del Ray's most notable tag team accomplishments came in Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW) as one half of The Heavenly Bodies alongside Tom Prichard, where they captured the SMW Tag Team Championship on three occasions between 1993 and 1995. Their first reign began on November 24, 1993, at WWF Survivor Series in Boston, Massachusetts, when they defeated The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) to win the titles from the promotion's flagship babyface team. The Heavenly Bodies held the championships for 86 days, successfully defending against rivals including The Rock 'n' Roll Express in rematches and other SMW contenders, until losing the titles back to Morton and Gibson on February 18, 1994, in Port Huron, Michigan. Just one day later, on February 19, 1994, at a SMW live event, The Heavenly Bodies regained the belts from The Rock 'n' Roll Express in a rematch, embarking on a 41-day second reign marked by defenses against local challengers. This reign concluded on April 1, 1994, in Pikeville, Kentucky, when The Rock 'n' Roll Express defeated them in a "loser leaves SMW" stipulation match, forcing a temporary hiatus for the team. The Heavenly Bodies returned to SMW in mid-1995 and secured their third and final SMW Tag Team Championship on August 4, 1995, in , by defeating The Thugs (Dirty White Boy and ). This 113-day reign, their longest in the promotion, featured key defenses against The Thugs in no-disqualification and hospital elimination matches, as well as other SMW tag teams, solidifying their status as dominant heels. The titles were retired upon SMW's closure after its final event on November 26, 1995, in , with The Heavenly Bodies as the last champions. In 1995, Del Ray and Prichard extended their Heavenly Bodies partnership to the (USWA), winning the once amid an ongoing feud with PG-13 ( and ). On August 7, 1995, at a USWA event in , The Heavenly Bodies defeated PG-13 to capture the titles, capitalizing on the rivals' high-flying style in a that highlighted the territorial crossover between SMW and USWA. Their 14-day reign ended when the titles were after a against PG-13 on August 21, 1995; PG-13 then won a tournament final on August 28, 1995, in Memphis. This victory underscored the duo's versatility across Southern wrestling territories but did not lead to further USWA success. Additionally, in the Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling (PCW), they won the PCW Tag Team Championship on July 21, 1995, holding it for one day. Del Ray did not win tag team titles in (ECW) or (WCW), focusing instead on established partnerships like The Heavenly Bodies.

Other accomplishments and awards

Del Ray achieved early recognition in the independent wrestling scene by winning the W*ING World Junior Heavyweight Title Tournament on June 12, 1992, in , Japan, defeating multiple opponents to claim the victory. As part of the Heavenly Bodies with , Del Ray participated in high-profile matches at major events, including a tag team title challenge against the Steiner Brothers at WWF on August 30, 1993, in , , which highlighted their status as contenders in the national spotlight. Similarly, the duo competed against in a tag team bout at ECW's December to Dismember on December 9, 1995, in Philadelphia, , showcasing their versatility across promotions. The Heavenly Bodies ranked No. 73 on Pro Wrestling Illustrated's list of the top 100 tag teams of the PWI Years in their 2003 special issue, acknowledging their contributions to during the .

References

  1. https://www.wwe.com/inside/jimmy-del-ray-passes-away
  2. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/144753695/david-everett-ferrier
  3. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=639&name=Jimmy+del+Ray
  4. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=639&page=11
  5. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/SMW_Tag_Team_Championship/Champion_history
  6. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/jimmy-del-ray/
  7. https://wrestlerdeaths.com/jimmy-del-ray-death/
  8. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tampabaytimes/name/david-ferrier-obituary?id=33789785
  9. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2014/12/former-wwe-star-jimmy-del-ray-passes-away-587496/
  10. https://www.tpww.net/2014/12/jimmy-del-ray-passes-away-details-inside/
  11. https://gerweck.net/2021/01/06/jimmy-del-ray/
  12. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1890
  13. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2727
  14. http://wrestlingclassics.com/.ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=000007
  15. http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/indy/fcw-pwf/fcwcards89.html
  16. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=639&page=4
  17. https://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/jimmy-del-ray-162.html
  18. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/heavenly-bodies/
  19. https://www.wwe.com/videos/rock-n-roll-express-vs-heavenly-bodies-survivor-series-1993-smoky-mountain-wrestling-tag-team-championship-match
  20. https://slamwrestling.net/news/last-smoky-mountain-wrestling-show-unearthed-28-years-later/
  21. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=7528
  22. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=111&nr=80
  23. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/jimmy-del-ray-162.html?year=1993
  24. http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/delray.html
  25. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=1915
  26. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/jimmy-del-ray-162.html?year=1995
  27. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/uswa/uswa-t.html
  28. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=shows&show=205718&feld=ergebnisse
  29. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/jimmy-del-ray-162.html
  30. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=tagteams&team=1888
  31. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=shows&show=11835&feld=ergebnisse
  32. http://www.profightdb.com/cards/ecw/december-to-dismember-3995-616.html
  33. https://crazymax.org/newsite/results/ecw-results-1996/
  34. https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/52036-1990s-wwe-wcw-smw-wrestler-jimmy-del-rey-passes-away/
  35. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2021/05/27/honoree-steve-madison-heats-up-florida-luncheon/
  36. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=200286
  37. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=639&name=Jimmy%2Bdel%2BRay
  38. https://alanwojcik.tripod.com/archives/id20.html
  39. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=820
  40. https://www.gerweck.net/2021/01/06/jimmy-del-ray/
  41. https://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/jimmy-graffiti/
  42. https://www.thewrestlingroadshow.com/more-wrestlers-you-didnt-know-wrestled-in-wcw/
  43. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/jimmy-del-ray
  44. https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/members-of-ravens-nest-where-are-they-now/
  45. https://www.merchandiseandmemories.com/tag-team-spotlight-the-heavenly-bod
  46. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=28&nr=45
  47. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/brandon-fl/david-ferrier-6230666
  48. https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/corporationsearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=EntityName&directionType=ForwardList&searchNameOrder=FERRIERSFINEFLOORING%2520P060000443820&aggregateId=domp-p06000044382-393db22a-7da8-46b8-9eff-c7e684c20cc1
  49. https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/corporationsearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=EntityName&directionType=Initial&searchNameOrder=FERRIERSFLOORING%2520P130000645490&aggregateId=domp-p13000064549-87d6b89c-42b1-45dd-8661-7a04b6685833
  50. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2014/12/11/obituaries/
  51. https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2014/12/7/7350219/former-wwe-wrestler-jimmy-del-ray-passes-away
  52. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2014/12/conflicting-reports-on-former-wwe-587502/
  53. https://gerweck.net/2014/12/12/obit-for-jimmy-del-ray/
  54. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2014/12/jim-cornette-remembers-jimmy-del-ray-587675/
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz3TRDV4Zb8
  56. https://www.merchandiseandmemories.com/top-50-tag-team-rivalries
  57. http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/indy/fcw-pwf/fcwtitles.html
  58. https://crazymax.org/newsite/results/smw-results-1994/
  59. https://www.theofficialwrestlingmuseum.com/tom-prichard.html
  60. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=31015
  61. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7957
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