R. Lee “Gunny” Ermey Dies at 74

Sad news broke over the weekend that USMC Veteran, actor, and firearm industry regular R. Lee Ermey passed away from complications stemming from a battle with Pneumonia. 

Few actors have risen to the level of fame within the gun world such as Gunny. Having served in the Marine Corps for over 11 years, he brought a special brand of military grit to everything he did. Nothing however, brought him more notoriety than his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the movie “Full Metal Jacket”.

A statement on Gunny’s twitter account broke the news over the weekend:

Statement from R. Lee Ermey’s long time manager, Bill Rogin:

It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey (“The Gunny”) passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/vf4O78JKmb

— R. Lee Ermey (@RLeeErmey) April 15, 2018

Gunny would often times represent Glock at trade shows such as SHOT Show and the NRA Annual meetings, where the line to shake his hand would snake through multiple aisles. His larger than life personality will be sorely missed within the gun community. 

Ben Ryder

Ben currently leads the editorial staff for Outdoorhub, Alloutdoor, and The Firearm Blog. He is an avid outdoorsman and has hunted for large game across the United States including Alaska, Texas and his home state of Michigan. Ben also has a deep knowledge and passion for firearms and has participated in various civilian courses focusing on precision rifle shooting, carbine, pistol, ammunition reloading, and hunting focused firearm applications. Outside of work, Ben pursues a number of water based activities spending his free time in Northern Michigan boating and fishing on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan.