Wilson Archer

Wilson "Hardy" Harding Archer, 88, founder of Archer Guitar School, died Monday after complications from lymphatic leukemia. A veteran of the 2nd World War, he served in the Army's infantry and reconnaissance in Normandy, North Africa, and Sicily and was awarded a Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster after injuries received. He entertained fellow soldiers with his music while hospitalized in England and performed with USO shows. Receiving his first music lessons from his brother Howard, the two began teaching music together in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Fl. Hardy returned to his home city of Birmingham in '54, and acquired the first Fender guitar dealership in Alabama after opening Archer Guitar School. Although himself a pedal-steel guitarist who continued to perform, his proudest career achievements are his many students that learned to play and love music from his teaching approach and his own guitar curriculum. He taught generations and thousands of students, including family members that still continue the school. He was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy; brother Howard Archer; sister, Estelle Jones and niece Carolyn Jones Wilder. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Helen Holloway Archer; sons Danny Archer (Pat) and Ric Archer; daughters Jan Shackelford and Dolores Traylor (Larry); son in law Stan Smith; nephew Jimmy Jones (Gail), grandchildren Tammy Smith Robertson (Todd), Nick Archer, Michael Shackelford (Lauren) and Lindsey Shackelford, Angela Traylor and great granddaughter Joy Robertson and numerous other nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, December 3 from 10:00AM - 12:00 at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville with Memorial Service immediately following. The family would like to give special thanks for the loving support from family, friends, musicians, students, Drs K. Tucker, A. Maddux and Comfort Care Hospice staff.