Eddie Chiles
Harrell Edmonds Chiles | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Itasca, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | August 22, 1993 (aged 83) Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Western Company of North America; owner of Texas Rangers |
Harrell Edmonds Chiles (May 11, 1910 – August 22, 1993) established the Western Company of North America and was the proprietor of the Texas Rangers. Additionally, he was the paternal uncle of actress Lois Chiles.
Originating from Itasca, Texas, Chiles completed his studies at Wentworth Military Academy’s Junior College in 1929. Prior to moving to Norman, Oklahoma in 1930, he gained experience as an oil field roustabout and worked as a merchant marine. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1934.
Following his role as a Sales Engineer at Reed Roller Bit Company in Houston, Chiles launched the Western Company of North America in 1939, starting with just two trucks and three staff members. The firm specialized in technical services for the petroleum sector, focusing on acidizing, fracturing, and cementing operations. Over time, Western expanded into a leading oil service corporation with a workforce exceeding 5,000 and annual global revenues surpassing $500 million. In the 1970s, an offshore drilling division operated under Western's umbrella, overseen by Chiles' brother, Clay Chiles. The business was eventually acquired by BJ Services in 1995.
In 1980, Chiles acquired ownership of the Texas Rangers baseball franchise and held the position of chairman until 1989 when he sold the team to a consortium that included future U.S. President George W. Bush, stockbroker Richard Gilder (who later wed Chiles' niece Lois), Frank L. Morsani, and members of the Mack family.
Chiles became known for promoting the concept of reduced government through his radio commentaries during the 1970s. His catchphrase "I'm Eddie Chiles, and I'm mad as hell" gained popularity and inspired demand for "I'm mad too, Eddie!" bumper stickers. Western's marketing campaigns also employed the tagline "If you don't have an oil well, get one—you'll love doing business with Western!" His conservative viewpoints earned him a folk-hero status across the southwestern United States. He passed away in Fort Worth, Texas at the age of 83.
Personal life
Chiles was married to Fran Hafer and had two children from an earlier marriage: Jerry Edmond Chiles and Carol Ann Chiles Ballard.