Sam had a wonderful sense of humor and his friends were often victims of his pranks.

One night, years ago in Nashville, Sam, Randy Cudd and I were standing by the bar at the Stage Door Lounge at Opryland Hotel. We were there to attend a party that MCA Records was throwing and we'd been invited.

If you've ever been to the Stage Door you know that there's a bar in the back, then a large room of tables and chairs and a large stage in the corner. Right next to the stage is a long stairway that goes up past the stage to the balcony, and this balcony is where the party was. We were trying to figure out how to get from the bar to the balcony when Sammy said, "Tabby, look, lets go up that staircase, we're right behind you, let's go," and he pushed me out into the room.

What I didn't tell you is that they were shooting a Lacy J. Dalton video in the lounge that night and were using the stage. Well, I headed confidently across the room and started up the steps to the stage, crossed the left side of the stage and was about five feet up the staircase when I heard someone yelling,

"Cut, Cut, Cut!!!"

I had ruined their shot, the director was screaming at me and when I turned around to look for Sammy and Randy (who I thought were right behind me) they were still standing back at the bar laughing their heads off at my expense. I never lived that one down ever. It's making me smile right now.

And yes, I plotted for years on how to get even with him but in ultimate Neely fashion the joke's on me.

Sammy, I will always think of you as my little brother and I'll always love you and miss you. You're one of the best people I've ever known.

Thank you for everything. Until we meet again may God bless you and your family.

-=tabby crabb