Arthur "Buster" C. Earls IV

Arthur C. Earls, IV, “Buster,” 41, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026. Born in Nashville on February 20, 1985, Buster was the beloved son of Arthur C. Earls, III and the late Elizabeth Crawford Earls.

A proud Nashvillian, Buster loved his hometown and carried its spirit with him wherever life took him. He was educated at Overbrook Catholic School, Christ the King School, Father Ryan High School, and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 2003. His love of learning and curiosity about the world led him to study abroad at the Università degli Studi di Firenze in Florence, Italy, in 2007. He later earned degrees in Communication and Media Studies and Psychology from the College of Charleston in 2008 before completing his legal education at the Nashville School of Law in 2014.

Buster built a career dedicated to helping others. As a criminal defense attorney with ACE Law Firm, where he practiced from 2018 until his passing, he was known for his compassion, advocacy, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

More than any professional accomplishment, however, Buster’s greatest joy and proudest role was being a father. His children, Sloane and Quinn, were the center of his world. He was intentional about creating lasting memories with them, whether through family trips, Nashville adventures, or simple moments spent together. He loved them deeply and unconditionally, and there was nothing more important to him than being their dad. He was also their biggest cheerleader, never missing an opportunity to support them—whether attending Sloane’s viola concerts or enthusiastically cheering Quinn on at his many sporting events.

Buster never met a stranger. Gifted with the ability to talk to anyone about anything, he had a genuine interest in people and a remarkable curiosity about life. He was an adventurous spirit who embraced new experiences and cultures, traveling extensively throughout Italy, Australia, and Central America. He loved spending time with family and friends, listening to music, celebrating Halloween, and enjoying the outdoors through hiking, canoeing, and trips to the beach.

Charleston, South Carolina, held a special place in his heart, particularly Folly Beach, where many cherished memories were made. He was a devoted fan of the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Tennessee Titans and proudly served as a baseball umpire for the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). During his years at the College of Charleston, he was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Buster also had a special love for animals. He possessed the rare ability to be equally fond of both dogs and cats and especially adored Bob, Hank, Pete, and Jax.

Buster is survived by his daughter, Sloane Earls; his son, Arthur C. Earls, V ("Quinn"); his father, Arthur C. Earls, III; his sister, Elizabeth Sparrow and her husband, Clay, and their children, Noah and Alice; and his sister, Katherine Bukowsky and her husband, Jason, and their children, Jack, Ben, and Hazel.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Elizabeth Crawford Earls, with whom he shared an especially close bond. Those who knew Buster find comfort in imagining their joyful reunion.

Buster loved life fully. He approached each day with enthusiasm, curiosity, humor, and an open heart. He treasured his family above all else and leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, friendship, and unforgettable memories. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home, 201 25th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203, on June 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A Catholic Mass will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3001 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212, on June 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception following at the same location until 12:30 p.m.