It is with deep sadness that we report R. Lee Ermey has passed away this morning, Sunday April 15th, 2018. He passed away due to complications from pneumonia which is very unexpected for most individuals within the firearm industry. It was R. Lee Ermey‘s tenured manager and long-time friend, Bill Rogin, who broke the news to the world via his Twitter.

His strong and loved social media presence is what kept many of his fans clued in on his activities and involvement within the firearm industry so it seemed like a fitting platform to inform everyone.

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

R. Lee Ermey lived a very active and diverse life for 74 years. Many of you may know him as “The Gunny” which is a nickname he acquired from doing the iconic film “Full Metal Jacket.” In that film, he received a Golden Globe nomination for his famous role as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman that so many of us still quote today.

Bill Rogin provided an extended statement expressing his emotions, and those of many people close to him on the “R. Lee Ermey Facebook” page:

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. It is a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for. He has meant so much to so many people. And, it is extremely difficult to truly quantify all of the great things this man has selflessly done for, and on behalf of, our many men and women in uniform. He has also contributed many iconic and indelible characters on film that will live on forever. Gunnery Sergeant Hartman of Full Metal Jacket fame was a hard and principled man. The real R. Lee Ermey was a family man, and a kind and gentle soul. He was generous to everyone around him. And, he especially cared deeply for others in need.

There is a quote made famous in Full Metal Jacket. It’s actually the Riflemen’s Creed. ‘This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.’

There are many Gunny’s, but this one was OURS. And, we will honor his memory with hope and kindness. Please support your men and women in uniform. That’s what he wanted most of all.

Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.

R. Lee Ermey will have an indelible legacy of supporting our men and women who serve this country… a legacy of being a steward for the firearm industry, safe practices and firearm education… a legacy of being the prominent face and spokesperson for Glock… a legacy of being “The Gunny”…

Rest in Peace R. Lee Ermey…

“There are many Gunny’s, but this one was OURS.” – Bill Rogin