Thomas Pickens

Thomas "Tony" Autry Pickens, born October15, 1938, passed away at his 'home in San Antone' on Thursday, May 23, 2013, after 21 months on hospice. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Brenda, sons Allan of Austin & Steve of Converse, daughters Cindy Shields of San Antonio, Melanie Stein (fiancAC. Michael Scheibe) of Marion, step-daughter, Melissa Cook (Andrew) of Austin, 7 grandchildren, brother Doug of Roswell, NM and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Tony was preceded in death by his parents Thomas & Sally, sister, Tommie Aliene Marrs, brothers, Jim & Benny and son-in-law, Joe Shields. Tony, a resident of San Antonio since 1974, played fiddle for over 65 years. He started playing at the age of 13 in his fathers band, The Pecos Valley Playboys, in Carlsbad, NM. He played in several bands and backed many artists for over 60 years, in NM, TX, CA and LA. A few of these artists were Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb, Ferlin Husky, John Conlee, Ray Price, Shoji Tabuchi, Hank Thompson, Johnny Bush, Gary P. Nunn, Larry Butler, Johnny Lyon, Darrell McCall, Bobby Flores, Billy Mata, Dottsy, Frenchie Burke and Bubba Littrell. He played fiddle at Fiesta Texas the first two years they were open. While music was always his passion, he worked in the electrical business for over 40 years.

Tony's wishes were that a celebration of his life, jam session and pot-luck fellowship be held. The family requests that you join them following the services at The Continental CafAC. - 6390 Fairdale - San Antonio, TX 78218. (1 block west of IH 35 on Rittiman Rd.)