EULESS — Gary Richard Williams, better known as pro wrestler and manager Playboy Gary Hart, has died at age 66.

Williams, of Euless, died of heart disease Sunday in a Bedford hospital, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office.

World Wrestling Entertainment credits Williams with propelling wrestling to international heights by establishing a rivalry between famed Texas wrestling family the Von Erichs and the Fabulous Freebirds.

"He was probably one of the five greatest managers of all time," said Dave Meltzer, publisher of trade publication Wrestling Observer.

Born in Evansville, Ind., Williams' career spanned four decades. He began wrestling in the 1960s in Illinois and Wisconsin, according to World Wrestling Entertainment. He went on to manage Bruiser Brody, Abdullah the Butcher, Gentleman Chris Adams and others, the WWE said.

Williams met his wife, Gloria, after a match in the Fort Worth Stockyards. The best man at their 1968 wedding was the masked wrestler known as The Spoiler, said Gloria Williams, of Crowley.

"He was a wonderful human being. He was a great dad. He was very loving, caring — all of the above," said Gloria Williams, who said they remained close despite their separation.