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Louis NUNLEY Obituary

NUNLEY, SR., Louis D.A 60-year veteran of the music industry in Nashville, member of The Anita Kerr Quartet and The Jordanaires, and an architect, along with many other talented colleagues, of "The Nashville Sound". Died October 26, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ada Alberta Eaker and Alvin Nunley, Sr.; sister, Verna Nunley McKee, and brother, Alvin Nunley, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann Fluty Nunley; sons, Louis D. Nunley, Jr. and Lee Thanning Nunley;sister, Jean Nunley Dennison; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews. Louis was born October 15, 1931, in Sikeston, MO and was raised in Anderson, IN. In 1948, he moved to Nashville to attend David Lipscomb University, where he made his first commercial recordings in 1949, and graduated in 1952 with a major in Mathematics. In the early years of the recording industry in Nashville, there were two active vocal groups: The Jordanaires and The Anita Kerr Quartet. Since group background vocals are a basic element of "The Nashville Sound", both groups worked unbelievably busy schedules. Consequently they are, collectively and individually, among the most recorded voices in the history of music. In 1956, The Anita Kerr Quartet won the popular "Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts Show". That began a relationship with Godfrey that continued until he retired from his daily CBS radio and television shows. The quartet subsequently won two Grammy Awards in 1965: one "Best Recording By A Vocal Group" for "We Dig Mancini" and "Best Religious Recording" for "Southland Favorites" with George Beverly Shea. Louis collaborated with The Jordanaires frequently for over forty-five years, joining them full-time in 1999 as baritone, also assuming the role of arranger for the group in 2000. The Jordanaires won a "Best Southern Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album" Grammy Award in 2002 for "We Called Him Mr. Gospel Music: The James Blackwood Tribute Album". Meanwhile, Louis stayed busy independently providing background vocals from the early 50's until health problems forced his retirement in 2010. Over the years, Louis recorded with hundreds of artists, from legends of the past such as Red Foley, Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, and Roy Orbison to veteran performers such as Brenda Lee, George Jones, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, and on to a new generation of artists such as Mandy Barnett and Glee's Kristin Chenoweth. In addition to recordings, Louis was active in commercials, movie and television soundtracks, and appeared on the vast majority of major network television specials originating in Nashville, including The CMA Awards Shows and The Music City News Awards Shows, as well as being a regular on the "Statler Brothers Show", among countless others. He was also an outstanding arranger, for both vocals and instruments. Louis was a member, and served as a national board member and local President, of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He was also a member of the American Federation of Musicians and the Country Music Association. Visitation with the family will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life Service will be officiated by Amanda Chappell Armstrong, at 1 p.m. in Woodlawn's Dignity Hall with visitation held two hours prior to the service. Interment to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Published by The Tennessean on Oct. 28, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Louis NUNLEY

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My condolences to all the Nunley family...

Severino Amorim ( Recife, Brazil)

Severino Amorim

February 2, 2013

I send my sincere condolences to the family of Louis Nunley. I followed his singing from the early 60's and will miss his beautiful voice.

Victor Davis

November 14, 2012

Sorry to hear of the passing of Louis Nunley. I always admired and respected his work on my recordings. I valued his friendship. My prayers are with his family.

Henry Golis

November 3, 2012

Lee and family I send my deepest sympathy for you my prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. Ms.Teresa Black (Nashville Tenn)

November 1, 2012

Lee, I know this is a tremendous loss for you and your family. It leaves a giant whole in your heart that only time, prayers and the help of friends and family can heal. I know your Dad is in a glorious place, probably singing! My deepest sympathy to all of you. God bless!

Deborah Watson

October 31, 2012

I always enjoyed the times I sang with Louis. He had a great sense of humor, and I will remember him with fondness.

Lisa Silver

October 31, 2012

Our deepest sympathies to the entire Nunley family. Marc and I had the pleasure of working on many television shows with Louis over the years, beginning in 1974. He was a gentleman and a gentle soul and while he will be missed here, the heavens shine a little brighter from his passing.

Marc and Pam Repp

October 31, 2012

There was no one in the world like Louis. I had the honor of singing with him from 1968 - 1999. What a wonderful singer, friend and associate he was. Now he is singing like never before!! My condolences to his family. He was such a wonderful guy, with a cup of coffee, he was ready for anything. He will be missed. Nashville has and was the better for Louis!
Kay Klinger Koehler

Kay Klinger Koehler

October 31, 2012

Louis gave me my first job as a session singer in the 1970's. After several decades of working in Nashville and LA, I never met a more talented singer, a better musician or anyone who could make me laugh more than Louis. He was truly gifted, and will be missed by so many.

Donna Medine

October 31, 2012

Mary Ann and your children, I remember when he sang at "daddy's" funeral as Ms. Nunley would have said. She shared the room with my dad's Aunt Tommie. How much we are all tied together. God bless you! I know that we have really lost a beautiful person with a beautiful voice. His mother always had tales to tell on all of them. I loved her dearly and you also.

Linda Harper

October 31, 2012

I'm very grateful to Gordon and Ray for introducing me to Louie. It was always so inspiring to work with Louie, to see the twinkle in his eye, to hear those joyful musical arrangements come together in the studio. Louie brought out the best in all the music he touched, and I always tried to convey to him my admiration for all his talents, skills and dedication. I sincerely hope our Grammy Award Win together and our 6 Grammy Nominations together were an indication to this great man of the esteem held for him by all his peers and his industry. Louie, Rest High on Eagles' Wings, and Sing On, My Friend, Sing On--on your 1000s of recorded masterworks.

Art Greenhaw

October 30, 2012

I feel very fortunate to have performed with you and the Jordanaires. sincerely, Randy Anglin

randy anglin

October 30, 2012

Mr. Nunley was such a good, sweet, funny man. I'm so thankful for the many times I've spent with him & gotten to know him. With my Granddaddy being one of the Jordanaires, the rest of the Jords are like family too. Will miss him!!!

Marie

October 30, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family.He will be missed.

Diane DeWeese,Kentucky

October 30, 2012

I had the pleasure and deep honor of a sharing a stage and recording with Louis on a few occasions. I treasure the gift of getting to know him. He'll be very missed in music and friendship.

* Cole

October 30, 2012

Mary Ann, Louis Jr. and Lee I am so sorry to hear about your sweet husband and devoted father. Louis and Mary Ann were the best in-laws. Always kind, loving and such fun to be around. May his beautiful spirit bring you comfort at this difficult time.

Helen Powers

October 29, 2012

Louis will be missed. So kind, encouraging, and full of fun, it was a privilege to know and work with him.

John Darnall

October 29, 2012

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Every time I hear one of The Browns songs which feature the Anita Kerr singers, I always think of Louie. He was an asset to the country music industry. Everyone loved him. I send my condolences to the entire family of Louie. (Maxine Brown) (The Browns)

October 29, 2012

I worked with Louis on a couple of my albums and a few singles back in the early Sixties when he was with the Anita Kerr Singers. He was a very warm, charming man, and never changed over the years when I happened to see him at various functions around Nashville. My condolences to all his family and indeed to all of those who loved him. They were many. Duane Eddy (Franklin TN.)

October 29, 2012

So sorry for your loss. My father, Kelley Doyle is pictured with the quartet (first row left) and shared many stories of Mr. Nunley with us through the years. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Nunley when I was very young (early '60's) and remember well how happy Daddy was to get to see "Louis" again.

karen goff

October 29, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sympathies. He was well respected and loved in our Nashville community and he will be missed greatly. My love, heart and prayers go to you, Mary and your family and friends.

October 29, 2012

Lee so sorry for your lost.

Peggy Wright

October 29, 2012

Dear Mary Ann and guys, our thoughts, prayers and love are with you at this time. You are wonderful neighbors, Louis will be sorely missed.
The Hauns and Belva McGee

October 29, 2012

Lee - I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Though I didn't know him, I know his music and it touched my life. Bless you and your family in this difficult time.
~Gregg

Gregg colson

October 29, 2012

Lee, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympthy to your family

Elyane Henry

October 29, 2012

My prayers and condolences go out to the Nunley family.

Linda Archer

October 28, 2012

We honor the passing of a creative spirit who inspired so many, including his family, with the gift of music. Sympathies and love to the Nunley family from the Firestones, Ian and Spencer

Ian Firestone

October 28, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to the Nunley family. He was such a treasure to the Nashville music community, as a great singer and vocal arranger, and as a wonderful person. He will be missed by so very many of us.

John Ryles

October 28, 2012

Lee, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love you....Aunt Shirley

Shirley Sappington

October 28, 2012

I knew Louis when he was a little boy and I think of him as that person. God bless all the Nunley family in your sorrow.

Barbara J. Jones

October 28, 2012

Mary Ann, Our condolences to you and prayers during this difficult time. We loved Louis! We'll miss his ever-present smile & sweetness, in addition to that wonderful bass sound.

Charlie & Pat McCoy

October 28, 2012

my thoughts and prayers are with you.

cheryl Cline

October 28, 2012

Lee,my condolences to you and your family.A great man that will be missed deeply by his family and friends. Hugs for the family.

angie oliphant

October 28, 2012

To your family, I send my deepest sympathy. To you Louis, my unending gratitude for years of working together, sharing your talent, your unforgettable laughter and friendship. I will miss you terribly. Wendy Johnson

October 28, 2012

Deepest sympathy to all the Nunley family. He will be missed by all the Nashville music community, but particularly by those he mentored over the years.

Jim Ferguson

October 27, 2012

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Funeral services provided by:

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park

660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204

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