Harley Race, the legendary wrestler, had a life shaped by his marriages to Vivian Jones, Sandra Jones, Evon Hedbávný, and his late wife, Beverly “BJ” Race, each leaving a lasting impact on his journey.
Harley Leland Race, born on April 11, 1943, was an iconic American professional wrestler, promoter, and trainer.
He competed in top promotions like the NWA, AWA, WWF, and WCW, earning legendary status as a nine-time world champion.
His accolades include eight NWA World Heavyweight Championships and one WWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Harley, known for his toughness and skill, was the first NWA United States Heavyweight Champion.
He is also one of only six men inducted into the WWE, NWA, WCW, Professional Wrestling, and Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Tragically, he passed away on August 1, 2019, at 76 from lung cancer, leaving behind an indelible mark on the sport.
Harley Race, a professional wrestling icon, experienced a life marked by personal highs and lows, reflected in his relationships.
Over his lifetime, Race married four times, each union contributing uniquely to his storied life.
Harley Race’s Fourth Wife, Beverly B.J. Race Passed Away in 2009 From Pneumonia
Harley married his first wife, Vivian, on November 26, 1960. Tragically, Vivian Jones passed away in a car crash just five weeks after their wedding on December 26.
The accident not only claimed her life but nearly ended Race’s wrestling career as he suffered severe injuries, including almost losing a leg.
This devastating loss shaped Race’s determination and strength, qualities he carried throughout his life.
Shortly after Vivian’s death, Race married Sandra Jones in 1961.
Their marriage produced a daughter, Candice Marie, but the union ended in divorce a year later.
Sandra was briefly mentioned in Race’s autobiography King of the Ring as part of his early struggles.
Race’s third marriage to Evonna Hedbávný Race lasted over three decades, from 1962 to the early 1990s.
Together, they had a son, Justin, who pursued amateur wrestling but chose not to enter the professional wrestling world.
Evon was a former flight attendant; she entered Harley’s demanding world during his wrestling peak.
Despite moments of joy, including their travels and wedding, their marriage faced significant challenges, including Harley’s infidelity and temper.
Evonna revealed feeling trapped and fearful during difficult times, enduring emotional and physical struggles.
An accident and advice from Harley’s psychiatrist eventually gave her the courage to leave. Moreover, their high-profile divorce was dubbed the War of the Races.
Evon later shared insights into their life, including moments of joy and difficulty, as detailed in Dark Side of the Ring.
Harley Race with his wife,Beverly(B.J.). pic.twitter.com/ilnqgaLpZ8
— Rasslin' History 101 (@WrestlingIsKing) March 7, 2020
In 1995, Race married his fourth wife, Beverly “BJ” Race, who served as vice president of the Commerce Bank of Kansas City.
Their marriage followed a career-ending car accident for Race, marking a new chapter in his life.
BJ often accompanied Race on his travels and supported him in his wrestling promotion, World League Wrestling (WLW). Sadly, she passed away in 2009 from pneumonia.
Throughout these marriages, Race built a family that included two children, Candice and Justin, and five grandchildren.
Despite his intense career, he valued family and sought to balance his personal life with his wrestling commitments.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Race faced significant challenges early in life, most notably overcoming polio as a child.
- As a teenager, Race began wrestling training under the tutelage of former world champions Stanislaus and Wladek Zbyszko, who operated a farm in Missouri.
- In May 2017, Race suffered a tragic fall at his home, breaking both legs in several places.
