Arnett Mills

[Bill Sutton]

My Dear Friend Arnett Mills Passed sometime earlier to day. Arnett taught me very much on the steel guitar. I will surely miss him. My condolences to his family. RIP Arnett.

[Russ Tkac]

So sorry to hear. My condolences for your loss. He was a wonderful player and a dear man.

[Allen Howington]

There will never be a replacement for Arnette Mills as a steel player, or friend. I have known him over 20 years or so and never heard a harsh word from him about anything or anybody. Truly a one of a kind man, we all shall surely miss him for everything he shared with us all, whether friendship, music, conversation, or a phone call about coming to a steel guitar convention. He is with GOD above now and waiting for all of us that believe in GOD as he did. I look forward to that steel guitar convention with my dear friend Arnette Mills.

[John Swain]

The Best Balladeer I ever heard! RIP

[Dale Rottacker]

Very sad... he was one of my favorites... a couple of years ago he sent a CD full of his playing with Jonathan Reynolds to give to me in Dallas... I didn’t really know Arnett except for his playing and a couple of contacts. It touched me that he would do that.

[Clyde Mattocks]

Harley Allen said once, "I never aspired to be the best, I just wanted to stand beside the best." Arnett could stand beside the best at this wonderful instrument and was even better at just being a human being. I treasure our long distance friendship. Prayers for his family and the many more who will miss him. He surely has his reward.

[Dan Robinson]

Sad news. RIP.

[Johnny Howington]

Prayers for his family and friends. He was a great man and I loved to hear him play that steel guitar. One of a kind!!
R.I.P. Arnette Mills

[Kenneth Latchum]

Arnett Mills was a personal buddy & friend for over
40 years! We use to travel together to all the steel jams and events! I loved Arnett like a brother! I was never an accomplished player but always loved the instrument! I am a past president of the MASGA and would emcee at the events! Everyone would just stop what they were doing just to listen to Arnett perform! He had such awesome tone and could execute to perfection! He had a gift and he loved sharing that gift! He was not a boastful man but would not hesitate to tell you about his Jesus and how much he loved him! The steelguitar family has lost a very special contributor of the instrument & I personally have lost a very dear friend! RIP Arnett

[Chuck Campbell]

What can I say that hasn't been said about my friend Arnett. Without a doubt one of the best players, friend, and just a great person. He played a steel show that I organized where John Hughey Russ Hicks and Mike Sweeney were players. When he played I will always remember John Hughey got up from his table and went to the side of the stage and was so impressed with Arnott's playing. I will miss his phone calls just to ask about me and he would always end the conversation with I love you buddy.

[Danny Bentley]

Proud to call him my friend.
A true gentleman!

[Jonathan Reynolds]

There is no doubt Arnett was a man who loved God first and foremost. He took me in to his home and taught me steel guitar and treated me like his own son. He bought me a steel guitar and an amp and told me to pay him back when I could. There were no strings attached. He did do much for me and the thing is, he didn't have to... But that was the man he was. Some of the best times of my life were spent in his den learning from him. My only regret was I wished I had learned more. He was a true master of the steel guitar. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I spent more time with him than I did with my own grandparents. He was family. I still have that cocobolo Marlen and I play it out. I can't help hut cry my eyes out tonight writing this, but I'm so thankful he's not suffering anymore. I will always remember him forever and his generosity and love... And someday I'm going to do the same thing he did and help some kid like me. I have a picture of him and me hanging on my wall in my music room. Thank you Mr. Mills for paying it forward!!!

[Paul King]

I never had the opportunity to met Arnett but it sounds like he was a first class gentleman. His playing was very impressive and enjoyable to hear. Prayers for his family.

[Larry Dering]

I never met Arnett, but I have listened to all his posts on YouTube and was in awe of his tone and talent. He certainly made that Marlen sing. I know he will be missed by all his friends. RIP Arnett. My prayers to his friends and family.

[Brian Matchett]

I never met Arnett, I discovered him on Youtube some years ago and fell in love with his touch and tone on the spot. I remember he friended me on Facebook and I was so chuffed, I thought it was my Birthday, I contacted him. The man was as much an inspiration as a human being as he was on Pedal Steel even on a simple FB conversation. His genuine humility and gratitude for being appreciated was testament to his sheer decency and I won't forget him. I look forward to meeting Arnett one day when I too cross that river. Sincere condolences and prayers to all Arnett's family and friends from Belfast, Northern Ireland. This world is that much poorer today for his absence. Arnett will be missed.

[Bob Shelton]

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Bill, but I'm glad you posted this. Somehow I had missed this incredible player on YouTube. His influence on your playing is very evident.

[Kenneth Latchum]

Arnett! RIP brother-I loved you like a brother! You've fought the good fight and you have crossed the finish line with flying colors! We have been closest of friends for 42 years or more! You introduced me to steelguitar but as much as you tried to teach me how to play the Steelguitar, the talent & gift from the good lord just wasn't there! I did encompass the steelguitar in many other ways! One way was by recording and posting on Utube 17 videos of you performing with just you in your music room! Wonderful memories were made there where folks that love you and your music on the Steelguitar can still see and hear you play! For folks that are reading this post you can go on UTUBE and type in Kenneth Latchum and all Arnett's videos can be seen!

[Allen Howington]

Ken,
You are right, there are more ways than one to serve, and yours is certainly a blessing to all of us. Thanks brother for your talent as well.

Allen

[Jerry Fleming]

All,


I just found out about the arrangements for Arnett.

Arnett's Funeral arrangements are: Wednesday night visitation from 6-8pm. Funeral Thursday at 1pm. All at Townes funeral home in Danville VA.

Jerry

[Tony Prior]

While Arnett and I were not daily social friends we were indeed Steel Guitar friends. We would see each other at NC Steel Guitar shows in Kannapolis and always had a good time visiting and talking.

The last time I was him he was playing a friends old Push Pull, and man could he make it sing. He was smooth as silk, as good as any player I have ever heard.

RIP Arnett I'm sure glad to have crossed paths with you, you indeed made MY life better while in your presence.

Losing Arnett reminds of just how important the local Steel Guitar shows / gatherings are. Whether we perform or just visit and listen , we get to stay in touch.

IF it wasn't for local Steel Guitar shows I never would have met Arnett.

I've been complacent, thats gonna change.

RIP Arnett, thx for our friendship as small as it was.

[Travis Partain]

I never met Mr. Mills, but have listened to most all his Youtube posting. He was one of the best and I'm sure gonna miss his music. See ya there

[Rick Campbell]

So sad to hear this. Arnett could put so much feeling into his playing. From my conversations with him I always felt he was not only a great steel player,but also a very good man. He was always very kind and humble. RIP my friend.

RC

[Rick Campbell]

I never get tired of hearing this. I've heard a lot of people play it, but this is my favorite version.

https://youtu.be/AZI6V_NNUww

RC