T-H Marine just posted on their Facebook page that their founder Bill Huntley has passed away at 89 years old. Here is their post about his passing:
“We are saddened to announce the passing of our founder, Bill Huntley. Bill graced this Earth for 89 incredible years and was just two months shy of his 90th birthday. Bill left us all with a giant hole that will be difficult to fill. He will always be remembered for the love he had for his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, employees, his country, and fishing.
“He will also be remembered for the mark he left on the marine industry through the many products he designed that paved the way for T-H Marine to become the company it is today. From the T-H Marine namesake “Trim Handle” to the famous Hot Foot foot throttle, and so many others, if you own a boat, there’s an excellent chance Bill had a hand in making your days on the water safer and more enjoyable.
“Most of these products Bill developed came from a need he saw while he was on the water fishing. An accomplished bass angler with a special place in his heart for smallmouth bass, Bill lived to be on the water. His love for fishing started by wading streams in Lawrence County, TN, with his father and quickly grew into a deep love for the Tennessee River.
“He was especially fond of chasing giant smallmouth after dark with his famous Bumble Bee spinnerbaits. The first ever spinnerbait to incorporate a ball-bearing swivel that Bill, and his wife Pat, would put together on their kitchen table for Bill to sell around the country.
“In 2015 Bill was recognized for his life’s work in the fishing and marine industry when he was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. A well-deserved honor and one of the proudest moments of his life.
“There will not be a day that goes by that we will not miss Mr. Huntley, his laugh that would fill a room, his jokes, his wisdom, and his many stories. We will think of him every time we put the Hot Foot down to run to our next spot, hoping to catch a big smallmouth. We hope you all do the same.”
All of us here at Wired2fish were fond of Bill and will miss him dearly.
