The Patriot (wrestler)

Delbert Alexander "Del" Wilkes, Jr.^[2] (December 21, 1961^[3] – June 30, 2021) was an American professional wrestler and college football player. He had many ring names such as The Trooper and The Patriot. Wilkes wrestled for the American Wrestling Association, the Global Wrestling Federation, All Japan Pro Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and the World Wrestling Federation.

The Patriot
Wilkes in 2015
Birth name	Del Wilkes
Born	(1961-12-21)December 21, 1961 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.[1]
Died	June 30, 2021(2021-06-30) (aged 59) Newberry, South Carolina, U.S.
Website	Official website
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)	Del Wilkes The Patriot[1] The Trooper[1]
Billed height	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)[1]
Billed weight	255 lb (116 kg)[1]
Billed from	Washington, D.C. (WCW) Columbia, South Carolina (WWF)
Trained by	Verne Gagne The Fabulous Moolah[1]
Debut	1988
Retired	1998

Wilkes died of a heart attack on June 30, 2021 in Newberry, South Carolina, at the age of 59.^[2][4]