Paul Harrell, a renowned gun rights activist and firearms expert with over a million YouTube subscribers, has passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. The news was shared by fellow YouTuber Tom Grieve, who posted on X, "I just learned and was given permission to share that Paul has passed. A true lion of men, a paragon of integrity, the gun dad of the internet, and a role model for us all. May he continue inspire and call us to be better and do more. Rest in peace."
The announcement came shortly after Harrell's brother released a video indicating that his time was running short. Following his passing, fans and followers took to social media to honor his legacy.
"RIP Paul! This is a loss for not only his loved ones, but an entire community, that will be felt for a long time. Let's ordain him the Patron Saint of something," one person wrote on X.
Another wrote, "Paul Harrell passed away today. He fought hard, and he's finally at peace. A lot of you have never seen his videos, but Paul, even as his page grew, never developed an ego or changed. He was always willing to help anyone and did so because he loved it. He was the gun dad for many who didn't have anywhere to get advice from. Rest in peace, Paul, and may God welcome you in open arms."
Paul Harrell was a great. Gun information presented by a genuine expert who never had any malice, never had an axe to grind (except maybe against misinformation). Just good knowledge, delivered by a guy who just cares about passing it on. A huge loss. https://t.co/HGCrnulwKK
— Ian Runkle/Runkle of the Bailey @ YouTube (@IanRunkle) September 4, 2024
RIP to the best firearms educator, Paul Harrell of Oregon, USA. This one man taught me more about guns and ammunition than anyone I know, and I'd never met him. Semper Fi, Paul. You will be missed but never forgotten. 🫡😢 https://t.co/9QtEDKhTdx
— Talk2meGoose (@ItsGlockOClock) September 4, 2024
A third person expressed, "A GunTube legend passed away today. Paul Harrell will live on forever for his contributions to our nation and to the 2A community. Rest in peace Paul. You will be missed but never forgotten."
Another person wrote, "I will always miss Paul Harrell. He had the greatest knowledge and experiences when it came to firearms and hunting, and he lived a legendary life being involved in several shootings. The man had influenced my purchases even his video made me buy a Beretta 92. RIP Paul God bless."
In July 2023, Harrell announced his diagnosis of Stage 2 pancreatic cancer and said he would be around "for a long time."