Granted, Junk Yard Dog was not the fastest, strongest or most skilled wrestler to ever get into the ring. But without a doubt, he was one of the most beloved. What he lacked in skill and style, he more than made up for it with charisma and character. Coming to the ring with a dog collar around his neck attached to a length of chain, growling, barking and snarling at his opponent and the referee, the fans always gave him a huge pop. I'll never forget those white boots of his, and his gut hanging out over his waist band. And that chain worked its' way into more than one match, sometimes working against him, other times in his favor, it was classic wrestling.

JYD got his push as the WWF gained world wide popularity in the early '80's and he rode the crest to fame and into the hearts of wrestling fans everywhere. You knew when he wrestled you weren't going to get a technical match or a high flying fast paced match, but you knew you were going to be entertained. JYD never gave any less than everything he had in the ring for the fans. His enthusiasm always seemed to take what should have been a mediocre match, and made it great. I remember his fights with Big Boss Man. Two big men with average skills who relied on brute strength and hard hits in the ring, looked like the two best wrestlers in the world because Dog kicked Boss Man's game up a few notches. That in my opinion is the mark of a great wrestler.

Outside of the ring, Sylvester Ritter was a devoted family man. Even after he and his wife divorced, he kept in close contact with her and their two daughters. He also never passed up an opportunity to give autographs, especially to the young fans. He loved sports entertainment so much, he was still wrestling part time a full ten years after his retirement, for small indy promotions and various benefits in the South. His last match was just six weeks prior to his tragic passing.

He was also working part time for a car repossesion company. He had just returned from his eldest daughter's college graduation when he was transporting a repossesed car. He was involved in a single vehicle accident in Mississippi.

Junk Yard Dog, you were one of a kind. I don't recall any wrestler like you before, and there has not been one like you since. You will always have a special spot in my heart. Thank you for all the memories, sir. You are missed, and still loved down here. I hope you are over looking us all, with that big smile of yours on your face. Woof woof!