George's Book

"Dad You Don't Work, You Wrestle!"

by George South
with Mark James & Debbie Jewell

George South is a hold out from the glory days of professional wrestling. If you spend any time with him it’s quickly apparent that the priorities in is life are his family, wrestling and his savior, Jesus Christ. As a child in the 1970s, he grew up watching Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. He knew then that he would soon be in the ring with his idols, men like Paul Jones, Wahoo McDaniel, Blackjack Mulligan, Ric Flair, the Anderson Brothers and Masked Superstar. Throughout his 30 plus year career in professional wrestling, George has maintained his strong faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. Never willing to compromise, George has been able to stay on his daily walk with the Lord as well as keeping his focus on his wonderful family. George’s journeys have taken him to the NWA, WCW and WWF and he’s faced a who’s who of wrestling legends. These experiences led George to open his own wrestling school which is still open today. Every weekend George still drives up and down the road to wrestling shows, thrilling the old-school fans. This book documents George’s humble beginnings through his long career in professional wrestling. It’s an amazing story told by an amazing man.

Three ways to buy George's Book! All with FREE SHIPPING!

(1) BUY FROM GEORGE IN PERSON
George's great book (the 2nd greatest book ever written!) can be bought anywhere you find George. Check out his appearance schedule here.


(2) BUY FROM GEORGE THROUGH MAIL ORDER
You can order the book directly from George by mail.
Send check or money order for $23.00 to:

George South
214 Highland Ave SW
Concord NC 28027


(3) BUY ONLINE USING PAYPAL
Use your PayPal account or major credit card to buy George's book!
$23 and free shipping!




Questions? Email George at Southmrno1@aol.com

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From the back of George's book:

“As you read about George, you’ll read about a kid who came from a large but poor family. He was also a kid who lost his parents in a car accident when he was very young. As a result, George rebelled and went wild for a while. But just like me, he came to a place of decision in his life where he realized he desperately needed Jesus. The difference is George figured it out a lot sooner than I did. For as long as I can remember, and long before Tim Tebow, I have seen ‘John 3:16’ etched across the back of George’s wrestling tights. It didn’t matter if he was a good guy or a bad guy; George has always worn his faith for everybody to see.

There are four passions in life that George and I share, our love and devotion to our families, our love of the wrestling business, our love of the Dallas Cowboys, and last and most importantly, our passion for our savior, Jesus Christ. In this book you will hear about all of them!”


- Ted DiBiase
The Million Dollar Man

WWE Hall of Fame

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READ WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT GEORGE'S BOOK! (And see all the old photos | new photos.)




BLACKJACK MULLIGAN
Well folks, every now and then some real fancy read comes out that we ought be listening to.  First, the Ten Commandments is a starter and we really need to follow them and listen as your life depends on it! Because it does! Then there's the U.S. Constitution which is at this moment still intact but under fire and duress! Next the Golden Rule, and I don't mean do it to others before there doin' you! You know the rules and if you follow them, well it should help guide your way.

Then there's all these rasslin' ego trip books, including mine, putting ourselves over as the greatest as if it really mattered! We talk about ribs, dirty jokes, abuse of each other and some little girls hanging round waiting to snag a catch. Now, once in a lifetime a book comes along that is safe to lay down on the coffee table and we don't have to put up until the preacher's gone!  We've all written stuff we're not so proud of, as they do sell and because of everyone waiting for a scoop on somebody. Finally, George South has penned one showing the real struggle, the real hours and hundreds of hours laboring to perpetuate a business that destructed from within. Not an unhappy warrior not getting a push or a guy unhappy with his status, and then exposing the business. Not like a circus magician revealing his little slight of the eye tricks until they are all gone, and then the hard earned skill of learning them is a common knowledge to everyone. And every kid produces in his backyard and is a "wrassler" and this is so sad! Everybody thinks they are smart and everyone is so dumb to the real work that a George South produces.

I highly recommend his book for everyone and it should be part of a dreamer's library and every school library as well! Cruise through a preacher's life, dreamer's life, a show business character's life as he introduces you to the layering of clowns that come and go! And in the end when the show is over and the lights are out, there is  George laboring with a beat up old truck with 300,000 miles on it, trying to les us see an American dream that is kept alive - - because of George South!



"NO. 1" PAUL JONES
Growing up, everyone has a dream. George South had a dream to be a wrestler, and he made his dream come true. When I first heard George was writing a book, I knew he would talk straight from the heart. In this book you can follow George from his humble beginnings, to his first match, to the birth of his children and most importantly, to him becoming a man of God. It's a good read about a good man that I am proud to call my friend. - No. 1 Paul Jones



"BOOGIE MAN" JIMMY VALIANT
Email to George from the Boogie Man: "George, believe it or not, I just finished "Dad You Don't Work, You Wrestle" this morning. Angel will read it starting now. I told her it is like a good movie, you got to watch it over and over again. No. 1, once my Angel finishes it, I'm going to read it again. I loved it! God Bless. Good luck. It's a masterpiece!"



RICKY "THE HAWAIIAN PUNCH" STEAMBOAT
Text message to George from the Dragon on 5/23/2012: "I pray good things come from this book. You have earned it though your faith & dedication to wrestling. May all good things grace you and your family. PS - the book is very entertaining."



GARY ROYAL
Facebook message to George 5/26/12: "George, I came home exhausted from a long business trip last night. Got here at 11:30 and picked up your book to start reading. At 4:00 am I fell asleep... couldn't put it down. I can't say enough good things about it, or you. It is a great book, about a crazy business, and a really great person - - you. And as always, you show you have your priorities straight; God, Family, then business. I will recommend to all my friends and people I meet. By the way - - LOVED the Sheepherders story."

George's reply to Gary: "Gary, I can't tell you how much that means to me. You were the greatest partner and taught me so much, mainly when Todd Champion says stay, move! I Love you PARTNER."



"SUPERSTAR" BILLY GRAHAM
Email to George 5/30/12: "The gospel according to George South has arrived in Phoenix Arizona! Looks great my man and congratulations and thank you very much. You are the real deal my man, a true man of God and I am proud to have you as a friend, thank you again for your book, I count it as one of the most important possessions I have!  -Superstar"



JAMES J. DILLON:
Email from J.J. on 5/26/12: "I received your book in the mail yesterday. Thank you for sending me a copy. I am a very slow reader, but I glanced through the pages. I like what I saw. As you start to get feedback, you will soon realize that it was worth the effort to put your life story to print for all your fans that supported you over the years and for your family.

I very much appreciated the personal inscription. As I told you before, you earned and deserved all your success. By putting your financial rewards to good use by providing for your children's education you created a win/win situation for you and your family.

I am proud to call you my friend. You are one of the good guys.  - J.J."



BRAD ARMSTRONG
Email to George from Brad on 5/24/12:  "George, I love it! I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed it! It has stayed right by my recliner! Dad is up for Memorial Day weekend and he's going to get such a kick out of it. Mom will want to see it, too! Lori thinks it's great! She said your beautiful twins could be models! Thanks for sharing it with us! Love you buddy- Brad"



MIKE MOONEYHAM
 From Mike's "A Charlotte-based publication several years ago dubbed South “The Last Rassler.” There could be no better description for a man described as “the most passionate wrestler who ever lived.” .... His latest written offering is yet one more valuable addition to the Mid-Atlantic treasure trove....

Full review at http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20120603/PC20/120609754/1032/-rasslin-redemption-theme-of-south-koloff-books



OLE ANDERSON
"It's too preachy. If you take out all the preaching, it's about 10 pages long."



RICKY MORTON
Text message to George: "After reading the book, it's the truth and really how hard it is to be in this business; life's downfalls and the good and our faith in God. Love you George."



THE MASKED SUPERSTAR BILL EADIE
Email from Bill Eadie to George: "Began to read (your book) and I like it so far. I like the addition of all the quotes from the boy's. Thanks for the copy. Hope it sells well."



K. C. McKNIGHT
Text message from K.C. to George: "Jesus loves you...and sweet tea! Just finished your book. It was like sitting around the locker-room talking to you. I loved it. My favorite story, as well as Steamboat's, was 'shut the door, kid!'. Also it shows that being a real fan has made you one of the best. Bret Hart was my Paul Jones!"



LORI JAMES
Brad Armstrong's wife Lori sent this email to the Gateway: "I have to tell you, it was so fun reading George's book. Brad's parents were up here the weekend it arrived. We were all fighting over it! Where does the time go? Brad rarely wrestles anymore. I'm hoping George can get him out for one more match and we'll all get to see each other again! Cross your fingers!



TERRY TAYLOR
From a recent text message: "I always appreciate prayers and the kind text messages. I pray you and your family are happy and doing well. Congratulations on a great book, your friend Terry Taylor."



GERRY LIVENGOOD
Love the book, Champ! Can't put it down. Thanks for the autograph and our friendship. I will treasure it forever. God bless, brother!



TED DIBIASE
Text message to George from the Million Dollar Man: "I really enjoyed your book buddy, 'Old School"!!!!, Thanks for your friendship and your integrity George, That's priceless!!"



PASTOR GEORGE TOWNSEND
ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH, LINCOLNTON NC
I loved your book, it's great. Brings back lots of fond memories while reminding me of the best that is yet to come. I could just smell the sweat and nachos. Did not realize how many of my early memories of my heroes would be reawakened just by reading their names.



BOB COOK
CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM FLORIDA
If you haven't done so already, pick up George South's new book. It is a great
read, just great stuff all the way through. You will not regret it I promise. George will even be happy to sign it, he signed mine.


RIC DRUMM, HARRISBURG
I got your book from you at the Bojangles in Harrisburg a short while back. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. I was going to take it on a long weekend vacation with me later in that week. But after opening it up the night I got it, I had it read in 2 days. I couldn't put it down. Thanks again, and one of these days I'll see you at the matches. God Bless.



"AMAZING" N8 MATTSON
 I'm only half way through the book, but I had to stop and write this review. I first met George in 2003 when he needed a few guys to wrestle the Road Warriors for Ted DiBiase's PWA shows in Michigan. By the grace of God, my student Chris Sabin and I were booked and George greeted us like we were old friends.

After a few more bookings, where I got to beat up on Sting, I knew that George was the genuine article. I stayed in touch with George and truly admired his passion not only for professional wrestling, but above all our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

George's book is such a blessing. His stories are hilarious and remind me why I love being a pro-wrestler and being a part of this business after 15 years. There really is no one quite like George South, but his tale is one that many of us can relate to.

George really knows his stuff and I would pick his brain all day if I could. Now that I have his book, that's the next best thing! God bless!


DYLAN THOMAS, AKA NECRO BUTCHER
You were kind enough to give me a copy of your book and to say I absolutely loved it would be a tremendous understatement. I just finished it, despite 4 matches from New Jersey to Denver this weekend. At one point today at the Denver airport, I looked up from the book to find myself alone at the gate, I was oblivious to everyone around me getting up and boarding the plane. I still made it, but all the other passengers were buckled in, ready to go. So many times this weekend I would find myself completely engrossed in your stories with a huge grin on my face.

I was a Mid-Atlantic kid growing up and hearing those stories about Nelson Royal, Denny Brown, and all those other heroes of my youth really took me back to a great time.  I still have a hole in my heart left by the end of good wrestling on TV. I will close this email with a heartfelt thank you for the gift of your book and sharing the stories within, and I eagerly anticipate any future projects you may undertake. Thank you.  - Dylan Summers, Pine Grove, WV


LES THATCHER
I very much enjoyed reliving my friend George's telling of following his dream through the pages of his book. Having spent so much time wrestling in the Carolina's I could add mental pictures to go along with the stories. That along with George's old time taking us to Church Religion makes for a fun and informative read. Check it out!


BUDDY BURKE
George, I just returned back home from the Philippines. While I was there I read your book from cover to cover. Hilarious! You did a fantastic job. The stories and the pictures, but most of all the underlying message. It was one of the best wrestling books I've ever read bar none. I just wanted to congratulate you on a great job. Take care my friend and God bless.



LISA FREESTONE McCARROLL
This is a book about a journey, a young man's dream of fame, his love of his family and friends and his everlasting faith.

I went to high school with George , he was " one of the good guys ". I remember him loving two things: his car and KISS. For awhile, I think he dreamt of being Ace Fraley. We lost touch after high school but with the help of the Internet and Facebook, we reconnected and caught up with each other. It was then he asked if he could send me his book . I can say I learned a lot about George that I never knew.

George had a heartbreaking childhood, but writes of his dedication to his family that loved and guided him. You will read about his fight to have the future he envisioned as a professional wrestler. He writes of memorable times during his long career, wonderful memoirs of his friends and colleagues. But the real story George is trying to tell is of his life lessons with his true " tag team partner" Jesus Christ.

I'm glad I was able to catch up with George thru his book. It is a true inspirational life story for anyone to read. As he says, he is truly thankful for his life and it shows in his words.


TAMRA HAYES
DYDWYW (Dad You Don’t Work You Wrestle) is like having a conversation with George! I could feel the heart, passion and joy that George has for Jesus, his family and wrestling on every page. There are wonderful stories of his life on the road and the devotion to his family that will make you laugh and bring a tear to your eye. George is an inspiration that has touched so many lives and you see this throughout his book! DYDWYW is a book that can be read over and over whenever you need a pick me up or smile. It truly is the ‘second greatest book ever written’!


RICK MICHAELS
Well done with your book, there's one bad part, and that's the last page, because there was nothing else, it ended,  I had to close it.... point being I didn't want it to end, I've always been a fan and respected you, but more so now after reading your book.  Thank You for all the years of hard work, and entertainment,  thank you for your strong faith,  thank you for being a friend,  and thank you for writing this book. It's an honor to know you.