Nelson Larkin

Born in Huntland, Tennessee on May 7, 1943

Departed on November 18, 2013 and resided in Brentwood, TN

Nelson Augustus Larkin, 70, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Hall Larkin and father Lemuel Augustus Larkin.

Nelson was born in Huntland, TN. He worked at Redstone Arsenal where he met his wife. They moved to Nashville, TN in 1972 where he began a colorful and successful 40 year career in the music industry as a record producer, independent label and studio owner, major label executive, song-publisher and songwriter. While making his mark in the business world, Nelson kept the creative side top priority: "Take care of music and it will take care of you" was his guiding philosophy. It was once said that he was a song & song writer oriented person. He was all about the song.

Among his many music accolades, he was the first producer, in any genre, to earn four number one singles off the same album and followed that up with many consecutive number one singles. He worked with a variety of artists including: Toby Keith, Earl Thomas Conley, Billy Joel Royal, Freddy Hart, Johnny Rodriguez, Lynn Anderson, Billy "Crash" Craddock and T. Graham Brown.

Nelson was a faithful member of Johnson's Chapel United Methodist Church, was a board member to EAR Foundation, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and a supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, doting "Poppy", enjoyed playing golf with his buddies at Temple Hills Golf Club and was an avid Tennessee Volunteer fan. He was happiest when spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Larkin; daughters Tiffany Coleman (Jeff) and Stacey Bright (Jonathan); granddaughters Mary Virginia, Frances, and Abigail; brothers Billy, John and Ronnie Larkin; and sister Betty Larkin Wood (Ken).

Celebration of Life Service will be held at Brentwood United Methodist Church on November 21, 2013. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 - 3:00 and the celebration service will be held at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pearlpoint Cancer Support, 310 25th Avenue North Suite 103 Nashville, TN 37203 and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 200 Manhatten Beach, CA 90266.