Bill Hervey

Rodeo Notable • Inducted 1997

Bill Hervey was affectionately known as “Mr. Wrangler” for his involvement with the Wrangler company and support of rodeo for over thirty years. Hervey started working for Wrangler in 1957 in the sales department. He moved his way up the ladder, becoming president of the men’s wear division in 1985.

His Western roots provided a platform for his involvement and dedication to Wrangler’s continued support of rodeo. His vision resulted in the development and continuation of the official PRCA dealership program that linked the sport with a network of Western-wear dealers and a new audience of potential rodeo fans.

He was named the 1988 PRCA Man of the Year. In addition to his support of ProRodeo, Hervey served in various capacities on the Miss Rodeo America board and is credited with nurturing and helping to maintain the Miss Rodeo America scholarship program.

“I can’t even ride a mule. Horses and mules scare me to death to say nothing of the roughstock.” That did not stop Hervey from becoming one of the best friends ever of professional rodeo and the rodeo cowboy.

PRCA Man of the Year

1988

Born: November 7, 1924 in Greenville, Texas
Died: March 6, 2018 in Greensboro, North Carolina