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Earl SCRUGGS Obituary

SCRUGGS, Earl Eugene Country Music Hall of Fame member and music legend, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2012 in Nashville. He was 88. Scruggs pioneered the style of banjo picking that has come to define bluegrass music. Earl was born in the Flint Hill Community of North Carolina, January 6, 1924. He began playing banjo at age 4 and his groundbreaking talent led him to become the winner of four Grammy Awards and to receive the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Louise Scruggs and son, Steven Earl Scruggs. To carry on his legacy, he leaves two sons, Gary Scruggs and Randy (Sandy) Scruggs, both of Nashville; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A funeral ceremony will be held celebrating the life of Earl Scruggs at 2 p.m. on Sunday April, 1, 2012 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 3-7 p.m. at Nashville's Landmark Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery. A private burial will be held. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 5th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203 or The Earl Scruggs Center c/o Destination Cleveland County, P.O. box 2063, Shelby, NC 28151. Arrangements entrusted to: SPRING HILL FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216, (615)865-1101. Online guest book at www.springhillfh.com

Published by The Tennessean from Mar. 30 to Mar. 31, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Earl SCRUGGS

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Earl and his picking made me smile every time I heard him play.

Kat Florez

Other

October 1, 2023

Earl Scruggs inspired me to play the banjo. He will always be the greatest banjo player ever.

terry barbin

April 25, 2021

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's...

May 11, 2020

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of mr EARL SCRUGGS he was a well known country singer who will sorely be missed may the true God grant him peace

March 31, 2020

You are a "Centerpeice", in the musicians of the world. You have changed many musicians as to how they play the old 5-string. You will never be forgotten...
Gerald W Gay, Waverly, Virginia

Gerald Gay

November 30, 2017

My name is Thomas L. Thacker . Mr scruggs got me playing the banjo. Mr scruggs is the best Banjo player ever. I never got to meet him but will miss him. I grow listening to him and Mr flatt. Rest in Peace MR. Scruggs.

July 15, 2017

When I here earl play it brings peace and joy to my soul,wish I could of met such a humble talented gentleman,dan talbot ,west whately mass

Dan Talbot

April 7, 2017

What a great talent to be missed. It's so difficult to cope especially when we lose someone so talented; who meant so much to family and friends. May the God of all comfort be with you during this period of great loss as future promises awaits us when our mourning will be turned into joy .(Jeremiah 31:13 )

Rossy

March 28, 2017

You gave me great memories since I was a tot. You were the greatest ever. I will miss you and Lester always. Thank you for the memories and I will seek out your music so long as I shall live. There just aint nuthin better.
Rest in peace my friend. I hope to see you both on the other side.
Richard L Miller.

Richard Miller

October 26, 2016

Good man

March 29, 2016

Hi my mom said we was related to you. It's to bad we didn't get to know you.

Christie Wilkins

March 29, 2016

Sure miss you on the Beverly hillbillies.may you rest in peace god bless thanks for all the good music

allen hammond

March 22, 2016

The most imitated musician in American History. A hero of all banjo pickers around the world. I had an opportunity to visit the Earl Scruggs Center in his home town of Shelby, NC this week. All banjo players should visit, wonderful place to see the life of the Great Earl Scruggs.

Elton T. caviness

Elton Caviness

October 1, 2015

Rest in peace to a wonderful man.

February 12, 2015

Earl was the greatest banjo player in the world. His music will go on forever. Rest in peace and thank you for sharing your talent for the world to enjoy.

david corn

November 27, 2014

You Are Greatly Missed, I Met You Once And Seen You Several Times. You Were My Hero.

Bill Childs

September 11, 2014

This was truly an amazing person with so much talent the loss is clearly ours. Prayers fill our hearts while singing praises to God asking him to let us never forget the love we have for this wonderful person gone from our lives never forgetting the joy we shared experiencing a great talent. Hebrews 6:10.

May 30, 2014

SLIM WILSON AND THE DIXIE DRIFTERS.MAY
YOU REST IN PEACE.THE WHOLE WORLD WILL MISS YOUR GREAT TALENT FOR YEARS TO COME.

April 4, 2013

Terry Sharp , I seen him and lester at my Gym in concord,arkansas when I was 17 years old, They were fund raising funds for building a new masonic lodge there. I am now 66 years old. I will never forget seeing them.

October 6, 2012

ONE OF,NO THE GREATEST BLUE GRASS BANGO PICKERS THAT EVER OPICKED ONE UP, NEVER BE ANOTHER EARL SCRUGGS MASTER OF THE GIBSON,,,HIS MUSIC WILL LIVE ON AN ON,,,,,

JIM HINSON

July 17, 2012

Please accept my sympathy at such a sad time. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.

Olga P.

June 11, 2012

Thomas O'Neill

June 2, 2012

Though I never personally met you, I miss you as a lifelong, dear friend by the music you left behind. I look forward to a day when I might jam with you as I transition to the other side.
Rest easy. . .

thomas O'Neill

June 2, 2012

Just think about all the "beautiful music" Mr. Earl Scruggs has shared with each of us! Let us be "thankful" for all of the good times. My family will truly miss ... THE EARL SCRUGGS! Our prayers are with the Scruggs family.

Patrick O. Clark

May 23, 2012

KATHY AND BUDDY BARNETT

May 21, 2012

We will miss earl scruggs,my mother said they was no man like him my mother is cousin with earl she is 85 years old and had cancer.my mother injoy watching him on tv and playing his song.

doris waters

May 12, 2012

At the end of each life is a legacy of love.. My deepest condolences to the family and friends. As the days and weeks pass and as you return to life routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friend James 4:8 Draw close to God and he will draw close to you

l|LIsa Parson

May 1, 2012

God will give you your request.(Psalm 119:76) . . .May your loving-kindness serve, please, to comfort me. . .

FF

April 27, 2012

Earl and Lester were the best bluegrass pickers ever, no one could match Earl picking that banjo! I loved watching them on the beverly hillbillies.
May God give the family the strength and comfort needed in the days ahead!
R.I.P. Earl

Marsha Green

April 23, 2012

When I was a little girl, we visited family in Danville, Virginia. They took us to a huge barn dance, it was on live radio. When we walked in the door, Earl Scruggs said, "Here is someone from home! Welcome Herbert Foster!" And the audience did, it was a llittle embarrasing. As we were watching the dancing, our Mother got gone, we were concerned until we saw her across the dance floor, dancing too. She always enjoyed dancing, so it was fun. I now love and appreciate blue grass music. Had several friends who showed me the talent in it, "Daddy Bob" (Bob Overby, related to Earl Monroe) and Earl Miller (Carolina Ramblers). Peace to family members and friends of an icon in music.

Audrey Bost

April 20, 2012

may the God of peace reside with the families and friends.

maru holmes

April 17, 2012

I grew up listening to Flatt and Scruggs and later to Earl and his sons. You can't hear a banjo and not think of him. What an awesome "picker" Thank you for the memories and God be with all of your family.

Lillian Tripp

April 16, 2012

I play one track back to back to remember EARL. I hear perfect tonality.--Foggy Mountain

Bruno Vadigno

April 13, 2012

i love bluegrass and earl scruggs is an amazing banjo player my dad tries so hard to mirror the style but he doesn't and can't hit it right... so unique!

hailley hendrickson

April 12, 2012

bless you friend

whiskey ridge band

April 11, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Norma Jean Kretschmer

April 11, 2012

My Grandmother was a related to Mr.Earl Scruggs, and I fell in love with Bluegrass, as it knew it was in my blood.
We will dearly miss you and your music.

Mary Green

April 10, 2012

Thanks for everything, Earl!

Rene Marchand

April 6, 2012

Another American Jewel lost. Once again, we are diminished.
Blessed Be to his family.

Steve Bowley

April 6, 2012

My dear deceased father enjoyed your music so much and taught all of our family about bluegrass. What a beautiful sound. My condolences to your family. Oh how much Heavan will enjoy your sweet picking. God Bless

Patricia Kidd

April 5, 2012

One of the best pickers in the country music field. He will be sorely missed by all of the fans.
May God go with you and your's

Clayton Allen

April 5, 2012

You will surely be missed.

PW Lee

April 4, 2012

You music is a very happy part of my life. Thank you!

Nina McGee

April 4, 2012

The use of the word "Icon" has been worked to death in the media, and assigned to people who do not or did not deserve it. Earl Scruggs was a true ICON, in the clearest meaning of the word. He was the first, and probably the last on the 5 string banjo. He is in Heaven, but he will be missed by me and my family. From all appearances, he was a humble caring man, who was the BEST at his craft.

Steve Bennett

April 4, 2012

A true legend .we will miss you

John Grubb

April 4, 2012

will always remeber ur music

Beverly Price

April 4, 2012

Every time I hear a banjo I think of you. I still will. Tom Tolar and all of this Family

April 4, 2012

My Dad brought home a Flatt and Scruggs record when I was nine years old.That was forty nine years ago.I learned to play the banjo sometime later and I would have to say that Earl changed my life forever.I feel like I have lost a member of my family.I'll never forget you.

Joseph Stultz

April 3, 2012

Thank You So Much For Your Love Of Playing Music For The World... The Banjo Was Just Awesome...R.I.P. Mr. Scruggs We Love You From Someone Who Cares... In Kentucky

April 3, 2012

Will be greatly missed

Wilma Hudson

April 3, 2012

Earl Scruggs CD will always be playing in my house, Best of the best.
Andre'

April 3, 2012

Will truly be missed

Michael Smith and family

April 3, 2012

so glad i got to see you play twice

glenda

April 3, 2012

Thanks for the music

LJ

April 3, 2012

joann branson

April 3, 2012

good bye friend

ward shields

April 3, 2012

My sincere condolences to the Scruggs family and dear friends. God will get you through this most difficult time. - Psalm 46:1

April 3, 2012

Great banjo picker. Great music.

Ken Hicks

April 3, 2012

sorry to hear about his death really enjoyes music from beverly hillbillies karen of pgh

karen edmondson

April 3, 2012

it's really a big lost of ,earl, one of the best of bluegrass ledgends,music has changed so much.i really miss the music that i was brought up on,i wish radio would play more of the real music

curtis pugh

April 3, 2012

Missing you...

April 3, 2012

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL HIS FAMILY & FRIENDS. MAY GOD BE WITH ALL THE FAMILY AND COMFORT YOU. THE WORLD HAS LOST A GREAT BLUEGRASS LEGEND. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. GOD BLESS, T & C HENDRIX LOVE FROM THE LONESTAR STATE**TEXAS

T&C HENDRIX

April 3, 2012

You were the best and we bluegrass music lovers have lost a true bluegrass legend! Thoughts and Prayers to the family!

Scottie & Karen Underwood

April 3, 2012

There will never be another Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. They were THE BEST EVER. If you were able to stand still while they were playing, your next stop would be the undertaker.

Al Lee

April 3, 2012

Oh my what a true legend in his time awesome Banjo player and everything he played... May god bless your family Earl I know your family is truely heart broken by your loss as all of us your fans are by you passing... Your music I will listen to forever and ever... Earl R.I.P. always from a true fan of your music. Bluegrass music was your gift... From someone who cares!!

April 3, 2012

RIP

April 3, 2012

My Condolences to the Scruggs Family:
may you be comforted by God's Word, the Bible. James 4:8 encourages; "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you."

April 2, 2012

so sorry to hear of mr.scruggs passing.iloved his music. i'll pray for his family.i loved the chieftains and earl playing together.

dorothy donovan

April 2, 2012

Oh, but to hear him play. I could not control my feet. Earl had complete control. His music will always be in my memory.

Connie Baker

April 2, 2012

I grew up listening to you play your banjo.It is my favorite instrument and I will never forget you and your music.and I am sure God needed you for his band.You will be greatly missed.

Betty DeBerry

April 2, 2012

Earl Scruggs was a Music Icon for sure ,loved his Banjo picking... and he and Lesters Flatts played The Ballad of Jed Clampett was AWESOME !!!!!!!! (:

Janice Howell

April 2, 2012

I love all his country music

Kenneth Wilson

April 2, 2012

I am eternally thankful to Earl for inspiring me to learn the banjo more than 35 years ago and launch a music career that I still enjoy today. May he forever fill heaven with his great banjo music and may God bring comfort to his loved ones. He will be dearly missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to experience his great talent.

Dallas Cheked

April 2, 2012

My Dad raised us listening to this wonderful music. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.

Bobby & Debra Cleveland

April 2, 2012

A great part of country music and Americana!
Condolences to his family.
May he keep on playin' in heaven!

Karen Lambert

April 2, 2012

I grew up listening to Earl Scruggs on radio. Love country music today but it sure has changed from the good ole days. R.I.P. You will be missed

Linda Watts

April 2, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.
He was the best banjo players. I loved to hear him & Lester Flatt.Your family are in my prayers.

tammy walling

April 2, 2012

that is another famous singer gone but i will pray for the family

nikki mclendon

April 2, 2012

I am sorry for Americas loss and to all those people in this country, who didn't have the joy of listening to Flatt & scruggs play music like no one else has or will ever.

pearl boyd

April 2, 2012

Go with god mr. Scruggs

Elizabeth Carney

April 2, 2012

My condolences to the family of Mr. Scruggs. As the days and weeks pass and as you return to life's routine may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of your family and friends.-Romans 15;4.

Marilynn

April 2, 2012

Awesome Banjo player!!! No one can
compare. He will be sorely missed
at Hardly, Strictly Bluegrass.
My heartfelt sympathy to his family and
friends.

Greta G.

April 2, 2012

Many prayers for your family in this time of sorrow. I had the privalge of seeing him and his band the revue here in Kalispell MT backin the 70's. Just another fan of good traditional country music.
Curtis Schroeder Kalispeel MT.

Curtis Schroeder

April 2, 2012

WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE SCRUGGS FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS&AAL WHO KNEW MR. SCRUGGS.

KEN&MARY O'DANIEL

April 2, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember his banjo playing. Mostly the Beverly Hillbillies. Your dad was a wonderful player. I just found out last night watching the CMA AWARDS that he had passed. I was in the hospital when he died. May God Bless You and your family. Sandra Slater-Louisville Ky

April 2, 2012

I am so sorry to hear this, I use to handle Mr. Scruggs auto needs while I was in Nashville at Preston Lincoln Mercury, He would come in and wait on his Lincoln to get service, I talked with him several times over the years, He and Mr. Flatt even played some music in our customer lounge several times, he was a very nice man. So sorry .
Adam "Butch" Hobbs

Adam Hobbs

April 2, 2012

May heartfelt thoughts bring you comfort and loving memories bring you peace.
With Deepest Sympathy

L. Green

April 2, 2012

When I was a country DJ, a cat wandered in the studio. I named him Scruggs!

Mike Jacobs

April 2, 2012

Bob Griffin

April 2, 2012

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Harry Simpson

April 2, 2012

Carl Wells

April 2, 2012

I remember as a child listening to him and Lester Flatt play together on The Grand Ole Opera!!!!! Wonderful memories!!!!

Steve Mason

April 2, 2012

I grew up listening to Earl and Lester , my mother even gave me his name, I know his music is being played in heaven, God be with the family,he's gone to his reward.

Bradley Earl Morton

April 2, 2012

His music will live forever

Susan Bryant

April 2, 2012

Sympathies to the family and fans of Earl. He will be sadly missed. He leaves behind a great legacy in his music.

Garry Luke

April 2, 2012

Earl wiil live on forever,through his music.

James Bach

April 2, 2012

Your God given talent has and will continue to keep me tapping my feet and dancing in my heart and soul.. Betting you are still playing in Heaven. God made an amazing man when you were born. Thanking God for you.

A music lover in Pasadena,Tx Martha Jauregui Rocha

April 2, 2012

He taught me the True definition of music. From his heart and soul to mine. I feel for your loss and please know, I have passed the love of his music onto my children, and now theirs. God Bless

Amy Smith

April 1, 2012

The greatest banjo player ever. He will live on forever through his music. Bless him for the joy he made for music lovers all over the world.

John Kelsey

April 1, 2012

To the Scruggs Family,Sorry for the loss of your loved one.He was loved by many fans. Loretta and Bobby Prior,Jane Wilson,Phyllis Sanderson,Bobby Newman and Wayne Tucker of Florida

Loretta Prior

April 1, 2012

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