Haystacks Calhoun


Haystacks Calhoun (middle), with Tex McKenzie and Mario Milano in 1971

Birth name: William Dee Calhoun
Born: August 3, 1934; McKinney, Texas, U.S.
Died: December 7, 1989 (aged 55); Collin County, Texas, U.S.

Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s): Country Boy Calhoun, Haystacks, Haystacks Calhoun
Billed height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Billed weight: 601 lb (273 kg)
Billed from: Morgan's Corner, Arkansas
Debut: 1956
Retired: 1980

William Dee Calhoun (August 3, 1934 – December 7, 1989) was an American professional wrestler, who used the professional name "Haystack" or "Haystacks" Calhoun.

Early life

Born on August 3, 1934, William Dee Calhoun grew up on a farm in McKinney, Texas; a rural suburb located in Collin County about 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Dallas. By age 14, he already weighed 300 pounds (140 kilograms), as he routinely ate a dozen eggs for breakfast. By the time he was in his early 20s, Calhoun weighed over 600 pounds (270 kg). Legend has it that Calhoun was discovered by a traveling wrestling promoter who saw him pick up and move cows across a field. Calhoun first broke into wrestling in 1955 and he began competing for local promoter Orville Brown.

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