The Wrestling Observer is reporting that Gulf Coast wrestling legend "Cowboy" Bob Kelly has died at the age of 78.

Kelly had been suffering from various health issues in recent months, including lung cancer.

Kelly, who was a legitimate cowboy, competed in Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling from 1967 to 1976 after taking part in such activities as wrestling in high school and the military, as well as competing in the rodeo and stock car racing. Following his retirement from wrestling, Kelly and his wife, Chris, entered the real estate world and were successful. Chris Kelly passed away last October.

Kelly was also the president of the annual Gulf Coast wrestling reunions, as well as having served on the board of the Cauliflower Alley Club.

Kelly is also reported to have been close friends with the late William Moody (aka "Paul Bearer"), and even presented Moody with the Lou Thesz Award at last year's Cauliflower Alley Club banquet.

WrestlingNewsSource.com would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of "Cowboy" Bob Kelly.