A.J. Nelson, last survivng Smoky Mtn Boy -Roy Acuff's band

Steve Green · Post by **Steve Green** » 24 Jun 2017 5:52 am

Last surviving member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, lead guitarist AJ Nelson has passed.

http://sellarsfuneralservices.com/tribu ... tuary.html

L-R: Onie Wheeler, A.J. Nelson, Roy Acuff, Karen Wheeler, Leo Bittner, Charlie Collins

Andrew Roblin · Post by **Andrew Roblin** » 25 Jun 2017 4:28 am

AJ had a big heart full of friendliness and kindness.

AJ became a role model for me after I met him at the Sho-Bud store in 1979. He was the head of the repair department there and later did finishing work for Show-Pro.

Rest in peace and love, AJ.

Handy Andy

Ronald Sikes · Post by **Ronald Sikes** » 25 Jun 2017 5:34 am

I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Nelson but I know he was a great guy by talking to many of his friends. Thank you Mr. Nelson for your service to our country and to the music industry. He did the finish on my Show Pro #26 and it looks even better today than when I first got it.

Tom Campbell · Post by **Tom Campbell** » 25 Jun 2017 2:58 pm

A.J did this sunburst job on a Remington D-8 non-pedal for me a few years ago.
Nice work A.J., Peace!

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 25 Jun 2017 6:53 pm

AJ did some refinish work on a couple steels of mine, when he was into his 80s. May we all live 94 full and productive years. RIP AJN!

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 25 Jun 2017 9:28 pm

Sorry to hear about his passing. I never knew him, but I know that he was the real deal in our world of steel guitar and country music.
And, another WWII vet gone. That really makes me sad.
RIP, Mr Nelson.

Chris Boyd · Post by **Chris Boyd** » 26 Jun 2017 1:12 pm

Another example of AJ's super fine work done in 2005...May he RIP..
This steel was redone in 2005 mechanically by Jeff Surratt with an all Show-Pro undercarriage and signed by Lloyd Green..

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 27 Jun 2017 12:16 pm

When they found the original "Lightening Bolt" Fingertip that Lloyd Green made famous in the late 60's; it was painted something and bla bla...it was A.J. Nelson that new it was the Lightening bolt because he did the original finish on it and then did the refinish to it's original finish again when I restored it>
Bless you A.J.; you have brought so much beauty to so many peoples life.
RIP my friend and here is the most historic work of art you ever did.

Lynn Stafford · Post by **Lynn Stafford** » 2 Aug 2017 7:10 am

I just noticed this post about A.J. Nelson and want to offer my belated condolences to his friends and family. Rest in peace, Mr. Nelson.

Here is another fine example of his extraordinary finish work. This gorgeous Emmons was originally owned by Bobbe Seymour and then Cal Sharp. I bought it through Bobbe (long story) and subsequently sold it to Marvin Born.

Willis Vanderberg · Post by **Willis Vanderberg** » 16 Oct 2017 4:33 pm

I met AJ at Albert Johnsons shop in Talahassee Fl. Him and Albert and Dana did beautiful work. We are losing too many of the good ones. God Bless you AJ. We will miss you.