We’re collecting stories and memories of Frank, who gave 55 remarkable years to this business. Through his leadership, kindness, and unwavering dedication, he helped shape not just our company’s values, but also the community we are today. We’ll be sharing these stories here on Base Camp to honor and celebrate Frank’s life and legacy. If you have a memory, a moment, or a reflection you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you. Click here to submit your memory. Thank you for helping us remember and celebrate someone who meant so much to so many.
Remembering Frank
A look at Frank's impact on others
“Growing up I saw Frank in industry publications and read about him in articles. At the start of my professional career, I received a personal thank you note from Frank after submitting a large order at Brownells.com to build my first AR-15. I can still remember how that felt when I opened the envelope!
When I joined the organization, it was like meeting a celebrity and I had to pinch myself because it felt like a dream being able to work for such an influential figure in the industry. He was wise and kind and it was an honor to have spent time working with him over the years. He will be missed, but his legend status as one of the greats will always live on in the Firearms space.”
Bryan Stuntebeck2AG CRO
“Christmas was sacred to Frank. I will always remember how much he loved Christmas and how it brought out the most genuine parts of him. A memory that highlights Frank's love of Christmas was a day when he noticed X-Mas was used as shorthand on the company Christmas party invite. All activities were put on hold until the shorthand was updated to Christmas. "We are a Christian organization, and Christ will always be part of our Christmas celebration." - Frank Brownell”
Jon Pettlon2AG COO
“It wasn't a Christmas Party, without Frank's jokes!!”
Chandra StuntebeckEmployee
“Frank was a great and generous friend to NRA and its mission. He was successful in business, making his family name a household name, wherever gunsmiths and gun enthusiasts gathered. In 2014, he was named the recipient of NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I offer our prayers to the Brownell family, especially to our former colleague and past President Pete Brownell. Frank was not only well known to many of us on the Board but also held in the highest regard by the larger NRA family. His support of the NRA and the NRA Foundation over the decades leaves a lasting legacy for which we are profoundly grateful. We will miss him dearly.”
Bill BachenbergNRA President
“Frank Brownell was a legend in the Second Amendment community. He was an NRA Pioneer Award winner and 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. On behalf of the millions of members of the NRA, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the Brownell family and the Brownells staff.”
Doug HamlinNRA EVP & CEO
“I had the honor of being one of many admins for Frank, and I carry so many fond memories of this wonderful man. I remember listening to his stories and jokes before the Christmas parties—he always wanted to make sure they were the good ones. He loved his family and this business deeply, and it showed in everything he did.
Jodi PetersEmployee
As one of his last admins, I can still hear him reminding me how he liked his coffee—"Don't forget the ice," he would always say—and of course, his love for Diet Coke.
One of my favorite moments with Frank was at what I believe was his last Christmas party in 2023. I went up to him and asked how he was doing, and he smiled and said, "Well Jodi, I'm still kicking." I was afraid he might not remember me, and I told him that. But he looked at me and said, "God no, I haven't forgot you." I bent down and gave him a hug, and he kissed me on the cheek.
That moment, like so many others, will stay with me forever. Frank was truly one of a kind, and he will always be in my heart until the end of my days.
You will be missed by so many, Frank. Rest in Peace.”
“I was saddened to hear about the passing of Frank R. Brownell III, the impact Brownells has on the Shooting Sports is not calculable! I am sure Frank is smiling down on us at this very minute and is paining out with many friends planning something BIG. Carry on Frank!!”
Bill HassCustomer
“When I worked under Frank, I kept a binder updated for him that had every employee's picture and title along with a brief job description. Whenever he would go out to the warehouse, he would take it with him so that if he wanted to talk to an employee, he would know their name and what they did for the company. This is just one of the many things Frank did to show he cared about his employees.”
Rebecca WrightEmployee
“I started at Brownells on September 24th, 2001in the tech support department. I was here for about 7 months when my best friend Steve, died, and I found out my dad had leukemia all within about a week. I went to see Frank and shared with him what was going on and that Steve's wife had asked if I would do his service and my dad was going into the hospital for chemo the following week. Frank looked at me and said, "Dean, do what you need to do, and take care of your family and don't worry, your job is safe and will be here when you get back". Well, I was off for about 4 weeks and came back to work and two days later, my mom called and told me dad had passed the day before. I again went and talked to Frank and said again, "Go be with your mom and help her take care of things". I was gone another two weeks doing just that, and when I finally came back, I still had my job and Brownells had made sure that I still got paid too. Shortly after returning to Brownells after all that, I told Frank and Pete that what they had done for me deserved my loyalty and I would not leave until I was ready to retire. That was almost 24 years ago, and I am still here. I owe Frank and Pete a lot as result of the kindest gesture I can imagine for a new guy. I share that story a lot with people, so it is only fitting I share it here to honor a great man, his family and Brownells.”
Dean Batchelder
“My first time I work directly with Frank was when my Team Lead and another warehouse worker had to meet Frank at his home not to long after I started with BROWNELLS to help set up a couple Statues that was being delivered to be set up in Franks backyard. We all met, and Frank wanted to make sure the Statue measurements and platforms was correct, so he asked if anyone had a tape measure. I pulled mine off my hip to use then Frank wanted us to remember the measurements, so I pulled out my pen and paper to write them down. No one else had these items handy so Frank looked at me a made a comment like This Guy is all set of what we need. Me I was glad to have them to help out. We all got the Statues all set up how Frank wanted them he was happy about it then we chatted a little after wards where Frank got to know me a little more. I felt I gave a good impression to him of me. Frank since then, like he would do with the other employees would always stop and talk with me over the years. When I was delivering the mail up to the office in Montezuma Frank would see me and he would wave me into his office like come on in Rick, and we would just sit and talk and talk about our Navy days like old shipmates. Now I wished I would have asked him if he was a SHELLBACK or a WOG. I enjoyed our talks together.”
Rick McMurtryEmployee
