Frank R. Brownell III passed away on June 18, just a few days shy of his 86th birthday, after a long illness. He is survived by his three sons, Bob, Pete and Matt, and their families.
Frank was born on June 24, 1939, graduated from the University of Iowa in 1961 and then served in the U.S. Navy. In 1964, he joined Brownells, his father’s gunsmithing-supply business, full-time, putting his business education to good use. Later he served as Brownells president, CEO and chairman of the board.
Frank additionally served as president of The NRA Foundation and sponsored the Frank R. Brownell Museum of the Southwest at the NRA Whittington Center. His son, Pete Brownell, served as one of NRA’s presidents.
“Frank Brownell was a legend in the Second Amendment community,” said Doug Hamlin, NRA EVP and CEO. “He was a dear friend of the NRA. Frank’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding freedom and gun rights has made an impact that will be felt by generations to come.”
The Brownell family has long been dedicated to the Second Amendment and the firearm industry. In fact, Brownells was one of the first companies to exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, in 1949. Winning the prestigious NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award in 2014, Frank stated simply: “I put my money where my heart is, and I don’t know any other way.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I offer our prayers to the Brownell family,” said NRA President Bill Bachenberg. “Frank was held in the highest regard by the NRA family. His support of the NRA and The NRA Foundation over the decades leaves a lasting legacy for which we are profoundly grateful.”
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