Hank Aaron, a baseball icon with a 23-season MLB career, lived a life of courage and love. His first wife, Barbara Lucas, and his second wife, Billye Suber Aaron, were key influences in his journey.
In 1953, Hank Aaron married Barbara Lucas, marking the beginning of a partnership that would support him through some of the most harrowing years of his life.
They had five children: Gary, Lary, Dorinda, Gaile, and Hank Jr.
Hank faced racial prejudice and constant scrutiny as he succeeded in baseball.
Barbara showed immense support during these difficult years, raising their children while also attending to her husband’s career.
While Hank was making headlines on the field, Barbara handled the details at home, navigating life as the wife of a prominent sports figure during a time of intense social change.
Unfortunately, Barbara and Hank divorced in 1971 after 18 years of marriage.
After their separation, Barbara led a private life, keeping a low profile and focusing mostly on her children.
As per the report, Ms. Barbara Jean Lucas Aaron, at 88, passed away on December 30, 2022.
Hank Aaron Found Love Again With His Second Wife, Billye Suber Aaron
Billye Suber Aaron was born on October 16, 1936, in Anderson County, Texas, to parents Nathan Suber and Annie Mae Smith.
She attended Texas College and earned a B.A. in English.
Later, she received her M.A. from Atlanta University and did post-graduate work at the University of California, Berkeley.
Her professional journey included teaching positions at several institutions, including Spelman College and Morehouse College.
In addition to her television career, she served as the vice president for the Southern region of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), where she played an integral role in fundraising and community outreach.
Billye’s first marriage was to civil rights activist Samuel Woodrow Williams, with whom she had a daughter, Ceci.
After Samuel’s death, the indefatigable Billye continued her phenomenal work in education and broadcasting.
In 1973, Hank Aaron married Billye Suber, who would become known as Billye Aaron.
Before meeting Hank, Billye was already a history maker- the first African-American woman to co-host a daily television talk show, Today in Georgia, in 1968.
Hank and Billye met during a press appearance in 1971 when she was assigned to interview him for a television show.
Although she knew nothing about baseball then, their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship. They married on November 13, 1973.
Their partnership grew beyond personal life; they co-founded the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation, which supports underprivileged children through educational scholarships.
Throughout their 47 years of marriage, they were known for their philanthropic efforts and community service.
Hank Aaron’s Wife, Billye Is Keeping His Legacy Alive
Billye has continued to represent Hank since his death on January 22, 2021, through appearances at events celebrating his life and career in baseball and civil rights.
In November 2024, she was present to present the Hank Aaron Awards to some of the best performers in Major League Baseball for that season, including Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.
She recently spoke about her husband’s historic moment—breaking Babe Ruth’s record for career home runs—on the 50th anniversary of the achievement in April 2024.
Billye Aaron has received many degrees, honors, and accolades for her contributions to education and civil rights. These include honorary degrees and the Martin Luther King Jr. Salute to Greatness Award.
Her continued efforts in this regard speak volumes about someone focused not just on the memories of her late husband, but on creating opportunities for those who follow.
Billye Aaron is an inspiration to many, excelling as an educator, one of the early Black performers on television, and a philanthropist.
Hank Aaron’s wife, Billye, has closely intertwined her life with his, making a lasting impact on the world of sports and society.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Aaron preferred to go by his given name, “Henry,” despite being publicly and professionally known as “Hank.”
- Hank Aaron’s wife, Billey, founded the UNCF Masked Ball.
- Billye Suber Aaron is also a recipient of the YWCA Greater Atlanta’s 2016 Woman of Achievement award.
