Winchester’s Herb Parsons Inducted Into Outdoor Hall Of Fame
Nashville, Tenn –-(AmmoLand.com)- Former Winchester® exhibition shooter, Herb Parsons, was recently inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame, August 22, in Nashville, Tenn.
Parsons, a leader in the shooting sports industry, began working for Winchester as a salesman in 1929. He excelled on the trap range, won the Grand American in 1954, was a member of Sports Afield’s trap and skeet All-American team, served as a gunnery instructor for the U.S. Army during World War II, and demonstrated shooting exhibitions for millions of people.
Because of his excellent marksmanship, Parsons has been recognized as the greatest exhibition shooter of all time in publications such as Guns & Ammo, Outdoor Life, Sports Afield and many others.
“This Hall of Fame induction of Mr. Parsons, is well deserved. I just wish he was here to receive it himself,” said Dick Hammett, president of Winchester Ammunition. “He was a leader for his family, for Winchester and for our entire industry. We are thrilled to see that his work and talents are being recognized. We also congratulate all of the 2009 inductees for their efforts, their leadership and their wisdom for our industry.”
During a medical procedure in 1959, Parsons died at a young age of 51. His sons, Drs. Lynn and Jerry Parsons, attended the ceremony on his behalf.
“Mr. Herb Parsons was a hero to every young boy and girl who ever had the chance to see him perform,” said Garry Mason, president and founder of Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame. “To get to induct one of my lifelong heroes is a dream come true for both me and my staff. To become an outdoorsman was a dream come true for thousands of kids while growing up in the fifties and sixties. Mr. Herb Parsons made that dream come closer to reality for us all. Winchester could not have had a better ambassador to the great outdoors than that of Mr. Herb Parsons. His legendary performances for Winchester should be shown on television each and every day.”
During the ceremony, Brenda Valentine, the “First Lady of Hunting” and prostaffer for Winchester Ammunition, was the guest speaker. She was also the first woman to be inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame.
Other 2009 Inductees include:
- – Jim Crumley
- – Toxey Haas
- – Rob Keck
- – Terry Redlin
- – Eddie Salter
- – Emily Shaffer
For more information, visit www.legendsoftheoutdoors.com or contact Garry Mason at 731.539.0171.
To learn more about Winchester Ammunition products, visit www.winchester.com.