Paul Bearer
| Paul Bearer | |
|---|---|
Moody in 2011 | |
| Birth name | William Alvin Moody |
| Born | April 10, 1954 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | March 5, 2013 (aged 58) Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Heart attack |
| Alma mater | McGill Institute San Antonio College University of South Alabama |
| Spouse |
Dianna McDole
(m. 1978; died 2009) |
| Children | 2 |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | The Masked Embalmer Mr. X Dr. Rigor Mortis Percival Pringle III Percy Pringle III Paul Bearer |
| Billed height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Debut | June 1974 |
| Retired | 2012 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1972–1976 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Keesler Air Force Base |
| Awards | Air Force Good Conduct Medal |
William Alvin Moody (April 10, 1954 – March 5, 2013) was an American professional wrestling manager and licensed funeral director. He is best known for his tenure with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE) where he performed under the ring name and gimmick of Paul Bearer, manager and guiding light of The Undertaker. As Paul Bearer, he hosted his own talk show segment entitled The Funeral Parlor.
As Paul Bearer, Moody is also known for managing his storyline son/Undertaker's storyline half-brother, Kane, as well as archnemesis of The Undertaker, Mankind. Vader also served as Bearer's protégé for a short period while feuding with The Undertaker. Outside WWE, Moody was known by the name Percival "Percy" Pringle III and performed in various regional territories and promotions, as well as World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW).