Rufus Jones

Carey L. Lloyd, better known as Rufus R. 'Freight Train' Jones, was an esteemed American professional wrestler. Born on July 4, 1933, in Clio, South Carolina, Lloyd had a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades. His early life saw him move to Dillon and work as a carpenter. He honed his physical prowess as a Golden Gloves boxer with a stellar 32–3 record. Lloyd also possessed an academic side, attending South Carolina State University and playing football. His wrestling career took off in 1969 when he graduated from the Tony Santos Boston Wrestling School. One of his many gimmicks involved claiming to learn fighting on the street corners of Harlem. Lloyd's introduction to professional wrestling was in Eastern Canada, eventually making his way to Japan and the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance. Adopting the moniker 'Rufus R. Jones', he gained the nickname 'Freight Train' and formed a tag team with Burrhead Jones. Lloyd had notable feuds with wrestlers like Tiger Conway, Sr., Greg Valentine, and Ric Flair. In September 1988, Jones participated in his final wrestling match in Puerto Rico. Post-retirement, Lloyd dabbled in security jobs and restaurant businesses. His personal life saw him married to Brooksie Jones Lloyd for thirty years, sharing three daughters and an adopted son who also had a career in wrestling. Tragically, Lloyd suffered a fatal heart attack on November 13, 1993, while hunting deer in Brunswick, Missouri.