Former World Snooker Champion Ray Reardon And His Beloved Second Wife, Carol, Were Married For 37 Years!

February 6, 2026

This article was last updated by Sangita Budhathoki on February 6, 2026

Legendary snooker player Ray Reardon left a substantial sum of £401,000 to his second wife, Carol, highlighting his unremitting love and care for her, extending beyond his lifetime.

Ray Reardon, born on 8 October 1932, was a legendary Welsh snooker player, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history.

He was nicknamed “Dracula” due to his distinctive widow’s peak hairstyle.

Reardon dominated snooker in the 1970s and won a World Snooker Championship(1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1978) six times.

He was also the first player to be ranked “world number one” when world rankings were introduced.

Tragically, he , at the age of 91 due to cancer.

Welsh Professional Snooker Ray Reardon’s Second Wife, Carol, Was With Him At The Time Of His Death!

Ray Reardon married his first wife, Sue, a pottery painter, in 1959. Their relationship began while Ray was working as a miner in North Staffordshire.

On April 30, 1957, a trickle of dirt fell on his helmet while working at the Florence Colliery. Sensing danger, he threw himself down just before a 12-foot girder and a deluge of rubble crashed down on him.

He was trapped for three hours before being rescued and, fortunately, survived the accident.

Sue played a significant role in Ray’s life, encouraging him to leave his dangerous mining job after a near-fatal accident. She was the first person who provoked him to pursue a career in snooker.

Ray then joined the Stoke-on-Trent police force, where he worked for almost eight years.

Despite their long marriage, Ray and Sue’s relationship faced challenges, and they eventually separated in 1985.

Regardless of their separation, they maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their children.

During this time, Ray had an affair with Carol Covington, which began in 1977 and lasted eight years before they married.

They never revealed how they met and what Carol was pursuing as a career then.

Ray and Carol married in 1987 in a private ceremony at Paignton town hall and remained together until Ray’s death in 2026.

Carol herself announced the passing of his husband with a heavy heart in July 2026.

Regarding his children, Ray had two children, Darren and Melanie, with his first wife, Sue.

They were often seen together in family photos, including one taken outside Buckingham Palace when Ray was awarded an OBE in 1985.

On the other hand, Ray did not have any children with his second wife, Carol.

However, he maintained a close relationship with his children from his first marriage.

When it comes to his children’s current goes, they have largely stayed out of the public spotlight and haven’t pursued careers in snooker.

While they may not be publicly famous like Ray, it’s clear that they have been supportive of their father’s legacy.

Darren and Melanie attended the special reception where Ray’s family was honored with the Freedom of the Borough of Blaenau Gwent in November 2026.

Ray Reardon Left A Substantial Sum To His Second Wife, Carol!

It was recently of £401,000 (approximately $501,250 as per the current exchange rate) to his wife, Carol, in his will.

This news came to light after his passing in July 2026. Ray’s decision to leave such a hefty sum to Carol highlights their deep bond throughout their 37 years of marriage.

Ray’s financial status before his death was estimated to be around $2 million to $10 million.

His successful snooker career and various business ventures after retirement accumulated this wealth.

Despite his substantial financial status, he left a significant portion of his estate to his second wife, Carol, to ensure her financial security and a better future after his passing.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Ray’s first wife, Sue, passed away in 2013, and the cause of her death was cancer.
He had a brother named Glyn Reardon, who also worked as a coal miner.
He left school at the age of 14 to work as a minor, following his father’s footsteps.

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Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.

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