Ralph “Sonny” Barger was a founding member and former president of the Hells Angels motorcycle club. Barger was instrumental in unifying various disparate Hells Angels chapters, and had the club incorporated in 1966. Barger’s leadership helped to establish the Hells Angels as the most notorious outlaw motorcycle club in the world.
Barger was born on October 8, 1938, in Modesto, California. He grew up in an environment where he was surrounded by motorcycles and racing. In the early 1950s, he began to ride motorcycles and joined a local motorcycle club. In 1957, Barger and a group of friends founded the Oakland chapter of the Hells Angels.
Under Barger’s leadership, the Hells Angels became known for ther violent and criminal activities. The club was involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and racketeering. Despite their criminal activities, the Hells Angels became a symbol of rebellion and freedom for many young people in the 1960s and 1970s.
Barger was an iconic figure in the Hells Angels and was often referred to as the “Godfather” of the club. He was also known for his distinctive appearance, which included a bushy beard, sunglasses, and a leather vest with the Hells Angels emblem.
Barger’s leadership of the Hells Angels came to an end in 1999 when he was arrested and charged with federal racketeering and conspiracy charges. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering and was sentenced to four years in prison.
Despite his criminal activities, Barger remained a popular figure among Hells Angels members and motorcycle enthusiasts. He continued to be active in the club and was often seen at Hells Angels events and rallies.
Barger passed away on February 16, 2022, at the age of 83. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, including members of the Hells Angels and other motorcycle clubs. He was laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.
Ralph “Sonny” Barger was a controversial figure who played a significant role in the history of the Hells Angels motorcycle club. While his criminal activities were widely known, he remained a revered figure among Hells Angels members and motorcycle enthusiasts. His passing marks the end of an era for the Hells Angels and the outlaw motorcycle culture that he helped to establish.
Is Sonny Barger Still A Hells Angel?
Sonny Barger is no longer a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC). He was a member of the club for over 60 years, from 1957 until his death in 2022. However, he retired from active membership in the club and became an “honorary” member in the late 1990s. As an honorary member, he continued to support the club and its activities but did not participate in its day-to-day operations. Despite his honorary status, Barger remained an influential figure within the club and was widely regarded as one of its most iconic and legendary members.
What Club Was Sonny Barger In?
Sonny Barger was a founding member of the notorious outlaw motorcycle club, the Hells Angels. He was associated with the club for many years and was considered the face of the organization. The Hells Angels is a worldwide motorcycle club known for its involvement in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. Sonny Barger was an influential member of this club and played a significant role in shaping its image and reputation. His legacy as a Hells Angel will always be remembered by those who knew him and by those who followed the club’s history.
Where Was Sonny Barger Funeral At?
According to the news article, the funeral of Ralph “Sonny” Barger, the founding member and longtime president of the Oakland chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, took place at a California speedway located in San Joaquin County. The article states that thousands of people attended the funeral over the weekend to pay their respects to the deceased leader of the infamous motorcycle club.
Conclusion
Ralph “Sonny” Barger was a founding member and the face of the notorious outlaw motorcycle club, the Hells Angels. He was instrumental in unifying various disparate Hells Angels chapters and had the club incorporated in 1966. Barger’s influence on the Hells Angels and the outlaw motorcycle culture cannot be overstated, as he helped shape the club’s identity and legacy for decades. His recent passing and funeral were a significant event that brought togeter thousands of people to pay their respects to a legendary figure in the motorcycle community. While Barger’s life was not without controversy, his impact on the Hells Angels and the biker culture is undeniable.
