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BORN
1939
DIED
2020
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Jimmy Capps Obituary
Hendersonville - Beloved veteran musician Jimmy Capps, who played on hit songs such as Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler," George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning", passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 81 years of age. Jimmy was born on May 25, 1939 in Fayetteville, North Carolina to the late Tommie and Alice (Stevens) Capps.
He was a guitarist on the Grand Ole Opry for over sixty-one years - longer than any musician. In 2014, he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame with fellow inductees, Peter Frampton, Will Lee, and Barbara Mandrell, etc. ; in that same year, he was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In 2015, the Tennessee Senate passed a Joint Resolution recognizing his musical contributions, and it was presented to him on the Senate floor. For his decorated career, in 2012 he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame's "Nashville Cats". In 2018, to mark his sixtieth year at the Grand Ole Opry, the band room was named the "Jimmy Capps Music Room." Beginning in 2009, he also regularly appeared as "Sheriff" Jimmy Capps on Larry's Country Diner on RFD-TV. In addition to that show, he also played on many other TV shows throughout his career, like The Statler Brothers Shows, The Wilburn Brothers, CMA shows, etc. Jimmy is also on "Country's Family Reunion" on RFD-TV.
He began playing the guitar when he was 12. At age 19, he auditioned for the Louvin Brothers and was asked to join the sibling duo by Charlie Louvin. "Thanks to Charlie - I guess I owe my whole career to him." Jimmy made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry with the Louvins in 1959. He was also in the Opry staff band, playing lead guitar behind the radio show's guests every week up until his passing.
Along with his onstage work, Capps was an in-demand session musician, known for his smooth playing style of both acoustic and electric guitar, on recordings like Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man," Barbara Mandrell's "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool," Alan Jackson's "Here in the Real World", the Oak Ridge Boys "Elvira", Ronnie Milsap's "Smoky Mountain Rain", Reba McEntire's "How Blue", and many others.
Mr. Capps served his country in the United States Army. Jimmy and Michele attended the First Apostolic Church of Nashville.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Michele Voan Capps; two sons, Mark, and his wife, Tara Solomon-Capps, and Jeff Capps; two grandchildren, Summer Capps and Mollie McKenzie Acuff. Mr. Capps is also survived by a host of relatives and friends.
Public visitation for Jimmy Capps will be Monday June 8th, 3pm-8pm at the First Apostolic Church, 265 Broadmoor Dr, Nashville, TN 37207.
**Due to concerns for everyone's health and safety, we must ask that attendance at a private service for Jimmy at the Grand Ole Opry House Tuesday - "Call Time" - 1pm be limited. While friends and family members attending the service will be sent instructions concerning arrival at the Opry House and social distancing details, we invite Jimmy's countless other friends, colleagues, and fans to listen to the service on wsmonline.com. We thank everyone for your understanding as current conditions make a terribly sad time for us even more difficult. Entombment will follow the service in the Historic Spring Hill Cemetery.
Serving as active pallbearers will be, Mark Capps, Jeff Capps, Ben Isaacs, Jimmy Fortune, Moe Bandy, Chris Malpass, Taylor Malpass, and Mark Wills.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Joe Edwards, John Conlee, Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, Charlie Albertson, Billy Linneman, Johnny & Lisa Carver, Scot England, Larry & Luann Black, Dean & Jean Voan, Paul Voan, Gus Arrendale, Phil & Renae Johnson, Mona & Dave Brown, Keith & Emy Joe Bilbrey, and the Opry Staff Band - past and present.
The family will be accepting floral arrangements for Mr. Capps. If you wish to contribute in his honor, you may do so to the AFM 257 Vic Willis Emergency Relief Fund (11 Music Circle North - Nashville, TN 37203).
Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery (5110 Gallatin Road Nashville, Tennessee 37216; 615-865-1101) has been entrusted with the final care of Mr. Capps. www.springhillfh.com
*The autobiography of Jimmy Capps is available for purchase at www.jimmycapps.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jimmy Capps
Sponsored by Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery - Nashville.
Larry Chafin
August 7, 2025
I lived beside Jimmy and his first family in Mt Juliet, Tn in 1974 and he was definitely a very close friend. Went backstage many times as his guest. I found that he and his buddies backstage were all a bunch of jokesters, always playing tricks on each other and he got me too, However, I did get even with him later during a show with Roy Acuff, I had a friend of mine go onstage when he was highlighted and planted a big one on him. Roy Acuff said never has anyone had this happen while he was on the Grand ole opry. REST IN PEACE MY VERY GOOD FRIEND.
David Sullivan
November 19, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
GunnySandy
May 30, 2024
Loved you on Larry´s Diner. Play on sir.
James Sanderson
May 30, 2023
The smile you had on Family Diner when everyone else was acting up was priceless.
Joyce Hammond
April 13, 2021
We so much miss him on Larry's country diner and the past Family Reunion. He was a really great addition to this world. Greatly missed.
Len Noble
April 10, 2021
AWESOME Rest In Peace, Missed but not forgotten
James
December 15, 2020
God has a guitar section that can’t be beat. Sheriff, Glen Campbell ,Jerry Reed, Roy Clarke,and Chet.
Not bad company.
RIP
Cindy Baggett
November 28, 2020
I am so sorry for your lost.I watched you and Jimmy on Larry's County Diner and enjoy every minute of you two I am so sorry I am so late but I just heard about his passing.Stay strong Michelle.Love You Cindy from Oklahoma.PS I don't know you but when they ask relationship they don't have FAN on there
Steve&Sammye Smallwood
November 26, 2020
Here it is Thanksgiving 2020, we’re watching Larry’s Diner, Covid is still going on and we hear mention of “Sheriff’s funeral”!!!!! We didn’t know! I looked it up on google, found his obituary, began crying(even my husband was sniffing)...we love Sheriff and Michelle! Our heartfelt compassion. We never met you but we have love in our hearts for you!
—Sammye & Steve Smallwood
Uvalde, Texas
David Markham
November 20, 2020
He was a very nice man,and a fantastic musician always very smart.
I wonder did he ever play for my late family friend Jim Reeves and Mary Reeves.
I've know doubt in my mind he's mad busy up there playing entertaining the best. Marty Robbins ,Patsy Cline,Dottie West.and all the gang like HE HAW . I miss those country music shows on "family Reunion" and I love Gene Watson,and Rhonda Vincent,the sherif had so many friends R.I.P.
David Markham.country music promoter from Liverpool,England.
Jeff & Juliet Blow
October 30, 2020
I have grown up watching and listening to Jimmy Capps and was very sad to learn of his passing. Just watching Larry's Country Diner where his wife presented the shirt worn by Jimmy and it was very touching. You will forever be missed.
Sandy and Vern Ricklefs
October 10, 2020
What a shock to be watching Larry's Country Diner on the DVR and Michele presented Larry with Jimmy's jacket in a frame and this was the first we knew of his death. There was only one "Sheriff" ever. We just saw him an hour earlier on an old Marty Stuart show. What a good memory of him but how much he will be missed.
Len Noble
September 19, 2020
Today I just found out about Jimmy Capps. The world has lost a great guitar player. I know that he is sitting iin the lead guitar seat, I the Heaverly Country band in Heaven. Thank you Jimmy for years of memories. God Bless
Teresa Wood
August 23, 2020
I only knew Jimmie &Michelle Carrps,by watching Larry's country diner but I grew to loved them,I cherish what time I seen them and enjoy everything about them,so sorry for the loss of such a legal Jimmie wil aways be remember& loved?God Blessed you all onLarry's country's diner?you all are loved also espicelly Michelle Carpps,LOVE YOUALL TERESA WOOD FROM GEORGIA?
Buddy Ard
August 15, 2020
We loved Jimmy,he was a house whole word in our house,the music world has lost a great man
John Spores
August 4, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. RIP
August 4, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. RIP
Doris Asher
August 1, 2020
Rest In Peace
Shirley/Ron Metzger
July 31, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
john Bunch
July 6, 2020
He was a great musician,one of the best if not the best.He will be missed.Tracey and John
Cheryl Ramsey
July 5, 2020
I hated to hear of Mr. Capps passing. I loved to hear him play his guitar on Larry's country diner. He was very humble and Gof fearing. He will be greatly missed. We're praying for you Michelle.
Ken & Sandy Robson
June 16, 2020
Mr.Capps I've been a fan of yours & and your wife's since Larry's Country Dinner came to Jacksonville Florida on RFD TV guess about 10 years ago,but honestly after finding out about your music career, I've been a fan since way back in the '60's, way back to George Jones,Tammy Wynette,and others,all the way back...loved your music,loved watching you every week with Michelle and the rest of the cast of Larry's Dinner....I'm a little saddened today,but I'm looking forward to meeting you and shaking your hand in heaven for being one of my heroes, thank you sir...God bless your family here and I pray that God helps them through this difficult time.....
Ken & Sandy Robson
Jacksonville Florida
CALVIN CAMPBELL
June 14, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Shannon Stiner
June 13, 2020
So very sorry for the loss of one of Nashvilles most talented musicians. Much love & blessings to his family & close friends. Jimmy will never be forgotten. ❤
Raymond &Deniece Daugherty
June 11, 2020
To Michelle and the family we are so sad to hear about Jimmy.
We only knew him from Larrys but felt like he was a dear friend. He was so talented and sweet on the program each week he made you feel like you knew him. He will be so missed by us and all the people who knew him.
May God grant you His peace in the days to come. God bless you and yours.
Raymond &Deniece Daugherty
Bobby Taylor
June 10, 2020
I feel honored to have known Jimmy.
Faye Lynch
June 8, 2020
Condolence to Jimmy's family. I grew up knowing him in Benson. Won't ever forget him on Jim Thornton's program.
clarence
June 8, 2020
MrCapps you will be missed Larry's country diner will never be the same as there is no replacement for your your smiling face and picking. I remember George Jones had a song whose going to fill their shoes now they will come they will try but will never fill your shoes. God is so lucky today to have you on His stage now. You will be missed Sheriff. Our prayers go out to Mrs. Capps and the family may God give you all grieving mercy and peace within your hearts.
Steven Riddick
June 8, 2020
Met you all at one of the diner shows in bransn. He was a great guy and feel blessed to have been able see and watch him play! Take care and stay strong and you are blessed.
Herbe Smith
June 8, 2020
I never met Jimmy personally, but as an Ohio entertainer, I was always amazed and loved his incredible talent. He had a wonderful disposition that he was able to show to everyone in his path. May God bless his family during this time of sorrow.
David, Linda & Brian Spradlin
June 8, 2020
Jimmy was absolutely our favorite guitarist and wonderful person, Michelle and Family so sorry for your loss. Prayers.
Randal Smith
June 8, 2020
My favorite guitarist. A great man. A wonderful human being. Rest In Peace. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Bettie Catherine Barnes Orman
June 7, 2020
My parents James Bethel Barnes aka Jimmie Barnes, Bettie Barnes Luckman and i knew him from the Ryman for Many yrs there, Rip Jimmy Capps .
Ann Rochelle
June 7, 2020
So sad to hear about Jimmy. What an outstanding guitar player he was and I enjoyed his many performances down through the years. In his younger years, Jimmy play with Slim Mims in Florence, S.C. My old friends Lewis Price and
Eddie Coates also played with Jimmy in the band. I, too, played with Slim Mims & the Dream Ranch boys & girls in '65. I heard a lot of stories about their picking days. I never got to meet Jimmy and now I regret that so much.
My condolences to Michelle and the family.
Ann Rochelle
Con Hunley
June 7, 2020
I am so deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy. He was one of the finest individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing in my musical career. A great guitarist, producer, and Hall of Famer. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and his dear wife Michele. May God take you into his calming Grace during this difficult time as we all know that the Heavenly Angels will sound a little sweeter with the help of the Man In Back. Rest in peace my friend.
M& V Roberts
June 7, 2020
Dear Michele, Mark & Jeff,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Fans of Jimmie & Michele
Jerry & Paulette Moss
June 7, 2020
He was the best and a wonderful person. He was loved dearly and will certainly be missed. Condolences to his wife Michelle and his family!
Leonard Simpson
June 7, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Buddy Yearwood
June 6, 2020
I met Jimmy in 1957 when he appeared on tv in Durham and our band would guest on their show. I knew then what a great talent he was. I spoke to him a few times at the Opry when I came to town. My prayers go out to the family.
Phillip Williams
June 6, 2020
Great performer and musician!
From the Staff of Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery.
June 6, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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