Why Was Ronnie Van Zant’s Grave Moved Again? The Graves of Lynyrd Skynyrd and their Families 2024

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Ronald Wayne Van Zant (January 15, 1948 - October 20, 1977) was an American singer, best known as the original lead vocalist, primary lyricist and a founding member of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He was the older brother of Johnny Van Zant, the current Lynyrd Skynyrd lead vocalist, and Donnie Van Zant, the founder and vocalist of the rock band .38 Special.
On October 20, 1977, a plane carrying the band between shows from Greenville, South Carolina, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, ran out of fuel outside Gillsburg, Mississippi. The passengers had been informed about potential problems with the Convair CV-240 and were told to brace for a crash. Van Zant died on impact from head injuries suffered after the aircraft struck a tree. Bandmates Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines, along with assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William Gray, were also killed. The rest of the band were seriously injured. Van Zant was 29 years old.
Van Zant's younger brother, Johnny, took over as the new lead singer when the band reunited in 1987.
Ex-Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King recalls the intense sadness of Van Zant's funeral, noting that people in attendance were so overcome with grief that they were literally falling down. Van Zant was buried in Orange Park, Florida, in 1977. His body was relocated after vandals broke into his tomb and that of bandmate Steve Gaines on June 29, 2000. Van Zant's casket was pulled out and dropped on the ground. The bag containing Gaines' remains was torn open and some scattered onto the grass. Their mausoleums at Orange Park remain as memorials for fans to visit.
Ten years later, the new location of their interment was accidentally revealed by a Craigslist ad. A family selling two plots they decided not to retain, ran a Craigslist ad and stated the plots were in the Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery in Orange Park, Florida, adjacent to Ronnie Van Zant's tomb.
According to the cemetery listing website Find-a-Grave, Van Zant was reburied at Riverside Memorial Park in Jacksonville, near the grave of his father Lacy and mother Marion. Both his current resting place and the empty mausoleum in Orange Park are listed, with the statement: "Due to the June 29th, 2000 vandalization of his original grave site, his casket was moved to this new location and buried in a massive underground concrete burial vault. To open the vault would require a tractor with a lift capacity of several tons. It is also patrolled by security."
In 2022, Ronnie Van Zant’s grave was moved again, this time to another location in the same cemetery.

[@TravelWithLisaMH]

I do wonder about some people's thought processes sometimes! Messing with the remains, jeez. Why would they do that 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thanks Scott. Very interesting ❤️

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you Lisa ! It makes no sense! And thank you so much for your generosity toward my channel. You’re awesome

[@adeadecn]

I agree may he r.ip.❤

[@SHERRY0010]

Agree, unless the Van Zant family is planning a family burial plot . There seems to be no other graves right now in Ronnie’s vicinity .

[@cynthiaquinn590]

What do you mean the many graves of Ronnie Van Zant? Did they bury each piece of him separately? 😂

[@christineprosolow9396]

I love Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@KristineS73]

Can you imagine Steve and Cassie's dad. He lost both kids and his wife in under 2 years. That's a blow you don't see coming. 😢

[@Jenahh-aye]

💔

[@roxannemoser]

It's heartbreaking. They were both so talented. Ronnie said Steve was good enough to go solo.

[@ThatGuy-256]

Wouldn’t want to imagine

[@debroahisaacs2452]

So tragic😢😢😢

[@user-wv4ho9zm1c]

Like Gene said God has his plan he jus don't get to tell ya yet

[@Pauls-World]

I’m honored to own a guitar autographed by all the original members. Truly blessed

[@Sablesez]

Wow that's amazing!!!!!!

[@lindar5413]

Want a cookie? lol

[@SEA0063]

@@lindar5413OMG! Kirstie Alley tweeted back to you! Want a cookie?

[@38JamieLee38]

🖐️ Raise your hand if you got Scott’s notification for a new drop, and immediately left the video you were watching. We love ya Scott! ❤

[@38JamieLee38]

P.S. Frances Bean Cobain and Riley Hawk are married! (didn’t know if ya knew Scott, I know you love Nirvana)

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you!

[@jamellehearn1389]

🤚

[@lisafarlow1905]

✋️Sure did. Love Scott and his videos. Cant wait for the next one.

[@lisafarlow1905]

​@SCOTTONTAPE Keep up the great work Scott. Love your videos.

[@cynthismanning6397]

Huge part of my youth. I'm 56, graduated in 85. And Kid Rock is keeping it alive for us in the present.

[@tracieivey2397]

My husband, our daughter (our only child), and his grandparents and mother are all buried right across that road from the pond. Every time I visit them, I can turn and see the fountain and say my little silent prayer for everyone who has left us from LS.

[@leesashriber5097]

Desecrating a grave is lowest of all lows. They call themselves fans but go ahead and destroy their forever resting place. Thank you Scott for always keeping us updated. I've learned so much thru your channel. Thank you❤ 🕊️❤️🙏

[@ronarmitagejr8758]

Probably Neil Young fans.

[@AudiophileTommy]

His grave was not desecrated the second time ! She just moved it because his daughter was buried beside him and she didn’t;T like it !!!

[@destinypowers1146]

you got that right its lowest of lows

[@kgconstrictors]

The new spot is beautiful. Sickening they had to move him again. How peaceful In front of the small pond. I was there last year. I had been told Ronnie was buried with his favorite fishing pole and famous black hat.

[@shannon3n8]

'Tuesday's Gone' and 'Simple Man' are in my Top 5 songs of ALL time, and there's been a LOT of music that's gone through this old brain and bones, of all styles and genres. Timeless is the best word I can use to describe Skynyrd. Thank you for your bloodhound diligence in tracking down the new final (?) plot for Ronnie. Knowing Gary and Billy are that close by, as well as Leon and Allen, somehow puts my mind at ease. BTW, Ed King, guitarist with both incarnations of Skynyrd, died from cancer 7 years after a heart transplant in 2018, was cremated and cremains given to his family. Original drummer Bob Burns, who had a mental break and quit in 1974, died in 2015 in a car crash, was cremated and given to his wife. Original bass player and co-founder of the band Larry Junstrom, who quit in 1971 to join Ronnie's brother Donnie's band .38 Special, died in 2019 from a brain tumor. He is buried at Jacksonville Memory Gardens. Sorry to hog the comments but I grew up listening to Skynyrd and wanted to mention Ed, Bob and Larry. 🎵❤🕊

[@michaelpena5986]

I have listened to the old school Skynyrd since I was a boy. Now that all of them are gone it's an end of a chapter that will live forever!🎉

[@flocosta]

This cemetery is just beautiful. I love Ronnie's final location best of all. It's really sad that celebrities can't just be left to rest in peace because of vandals. They go most of their lives trying to keep clear of the bad guys, and then when they are gone, their families are left to worry about their graves being safe. It never ends. I love this video, Scott, as always you did a beautiful job. May Ronnie finally be left to rest in peace ❤ 💐

[@Simmons213]

Love Lynyrd Skynyrd.Such talent lost in a plane crash. Rest easy Ronnie and fellow members. Gone but never forgotten.🌹🌹 Once again, thank you scott.

[@grahampost7416]

Saw them in concert at University of Toronto Convocation Hall in the 70s. Great band.

[@tammykeaton1067]

I love that he is by the pond. I always heard how much he loved fishing. It is perfect spot for him to be laid to rest. How sad that his wife has had to move him so many times. May he finally be at peace and left alone.

[@focusintegrity8490]

His wife Judy buried him the first time. The next time his Dad went to court to do it and a small monument was placed where he was buried with the Van Zants.

[@focusintegrity8490]

Judy was kept out of Lynyrd Skynrd LLC a new Corporation thru hostile takeover by Gary Rossington. Judy was nice enough to help start the Free Bird Park in Jacksonville

[@reesedaniel5835]

I wonder if he saw the "No Fishing" sign....😂

[@sjgoode6590]

I hope to get to Jacksonville one day to visit their graves. My favorite band of ALL TIME! Thanks for the video Scott. ❤ Johnny Van Zants daughter Lindsay died in 2018 at the age of 35 of cancer. I think she is buried there too.

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Yes she is I was unable to find her , I knew she was near Ronnie’s new resting place

[@John-uv7zp]

This band got me through a dark time when my mom passed away I’ve listened to them my whole life.. rip peace fellas thanks for the music that will live on

[@edhudson6627]

What kind of person vandalizes a grave? Famous or not, what possible gratification can you get out of that? Such a shame. Great job as usual Scott

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

It's twisted. Grave robbers are a sick population

[@TuesdayLoew]

After they tried to remove Ronnie he was moved to where his family wanted him to begin with.It's been said he was moved near the pond so Judy can be buried close to him but it is a Beautiful Resting Place🦅

[@chadmears136]

As a Big Skynyrd Fan I do appreciate this video Scott, I knew alot of the band members were all in the same Cemetery or near each other. RIP to all of them who passed. ❤ Ronnie's grave is beautiful and he loved the water and fishing.

[@surfinbird71]

Went there two years ago, left them a mini bottle of SOUTHERN Comfort.

[@krystina.nelson217]

I feel for the family having to move Ronnie so many times. But no matter when we all leave this earth, the music still lives on and changes generations for years to come. Stay blessed Scott and safe travels! ❤

[@fibrowarrior6360]

Scott, my husband asked me about this TWO Days Ago! I thought he had Lost His Mind! This Freaking Gave Me HUGE Chills! I Will Tell Him, Thanks!

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

He definitely isn’t losing his mind! 😂😂. Thank you so much for your generosity

[@fibrowarrior6360]

@@SCOTTONTAPE YW... He Loves IT When He's Right! So, ,married 30+jrs it's ok...Lol

[@janadeubner9883]

I have always loved and will always love Lynyrd Skynyrd music. Are all of the bandmates gone now? RIP to all that have been lost. Thank you, Scotty you are the best!❤

[@cherylsmith-zw7pe]

All except artimus Pyle and Leslie Hawkins.....😊

[@janadeubner9883]

Thank you!@@cherylsmith-zw7pe

[@eviedevet2172]

I don't understand why people wanted to steel a body. Let him rest in peace. I hope they never doing that again. I'm just angry. Thank you Scott for sharing and telling this story. May Ronnie rest in peace 💞

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

Because some people are deranged

[@charlesbronson5235]

One of my favorite bands back in the day and listen today just as often. Thanks Scott I appreciate the fantastic work you do.

[@simmo2024]

Tuesdays gone is my fave too. RIP

[@virginiarogers7618]

Its so sad that people desecrated there graves. Thank you for taking us to there graves. I played there greatest hits for my kids. Sweet home Alabama was there favorite!❤

[@1SeanBond]

Absolutely beautiful Scott! What a amazing Tribute Bro! Luv&Peace, RIP to one rocks best singer's on the planet Ronnie VanZant. condolences to the other epic people lost in the crash. RIP....awesome job Scott Cheers!💛✌🏼💫

[@user-hh7jx1tw3s]

My mother is buried next to the Van Zandt’s. She was good friends with the mother.

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Wow that’s incredible

[@bernadettesepulveda1579]

I can't imagine how many times they have moved him not right for the family to continue to move their lives ones cause others like to mess with anyone from lynard skynard rip to all that passed away leave all their graves alone let the family have a piece of mind

[@DianeG208]

Scott, if an alligator goes after you, run in a zig zag pattern. FYI. The plane crash tragedy...so sad. Brought tears to my eyes again. Take care.

[@AroundTampaBay]

its a shame people cant leave graves alone and just honor them and admire them. no reason to vandalize them

[@beckyromeo1007]

My aunt got me into lynyrd skynyrd and love them still my aunt passed away a couple years ago I still miss her so much we were very close we used to go to the 100 keggers with all the Harley’s and he was played a lot I’ll never forget them or forget the amazing memories I have you are amazing Scott much love always ❤❤

[@916-49er]

My favorite Skynyrd is Tuesdays Gone, I love that song great video Scott

[@jasonstahl9467]

I visited about a week after Gary Rossington died. I met some fellow fans and one of them had a direct line to Gene Odom. She called him so we could locate Ronnie’s “new grave” and it sounded like he believed Ronnie is really there by the pond now. I’m not sure how much that clears anything up, but that was my experience. Heads up, definitely watch for snakes down there. The gators will be easier to see, but there were several snakes when I got down there. It’s good to see that they’ve continued working on the new location. It was an outline when I was there.

[@jeffcoury]

I’ve learned a lot about Lynyrd Skynyrd. My dad is in a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band here in Arizona called Mr. Skynyrd. Which you should check out by the way. A lot of people don’t know that Ronnie Van Zandt used to tell people he would never live to see 30 oddly enough he died at the age of 29 just a few months before his 30th birthday.

[@420alldayeveryday5]

Love your videos brother, I'm from Ireland and I've never been to America so it's amazing seeing the graves and neighbourhoods off famous singers, actors etc thank you for all the videos

[@kathybryant3170]

Gene Odom just passed away on Nov. 13 2023 was their security. He had a lot of stories. Jordan had him on his channel quite often. Love your channel Scott.

[@cherylsmith-zw7pe]

I think your mistaken about gene passing.....he just did a video also about Ronnie's final resting place not too long ago...

[@Gatorinnola]

Gene passed away? I see nothing saying that.

[@cherylsmith-zw7pe]

@@Gatorinnola he just did a video on his channel "hanging with gene" 2 weeks ago

[@kathybryant3170]

@@Gatorinnola I just googled it and that is what it said.

[@gabesmith8450]

Different Gene Odom

[@carlrowe3507]

TY for sharing the story about where the lead singer of lynard skynard band and a few of the band members are resting . It's ashame people are cruel to disturb resting places of high profile people . Thanks for everything you do .

[@hanneblouns8560]

The cemetery is beautiful Thank you Scott for showing us and always do an amazing job ❤🙏👍 Rest in peace 🕊️✌️

[@GaryDeathTrap]

Man I would have loved to shake your hand man! Several of my family members are buried in Riverside memorial. Love the channel!!!!🤘🏼

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you so much Gary! Hope to meet you one day as well.

[@erichavezbramazco6178]

Oh my goodness!Thank you for covering this event

[@catherineferguson7388]

Hi Scott, what a horrific accident, there wasn’t much left of the plane, too many people died that day. RIP to Ronnie van Zant and his family members that have passed 💐💐💐, RIP to all the victims of the plane crash. 💐💐💐💐, I hope you are all free as a bird now. What a beautiful cemetery, so well looked after, beautiful grave for Ronnie. 💐💐. Thank you Scott 🤟🏼✌️❤️

[@jaguars08221]

That bench was a dedicated from Charlie Daniels.

[@sergiogrimaldo3480]

Great to see that sone of the band members are buried on the same cementary they traveled n perform the world together now they rest together

[@bernadettesepulveda1579]

I always get Scott's notifications love to see his video also why continue to mess with someone's remains famous or not people are so disrespectful need to leave anyone who passed away from lynard skynard graves alone let them all rip think about how would u feel if someone messed with ur grave after passing away and ur family continued to move u it's a d shame people are like that

[@MsSusy-sl4zu]

I started crying Scott!!! You did a fabulous job on this thank you

[@I_ben_pharteen]

You should have got a hold of Gene Odom he' give you a tour of all the Lynyrd Skynyrd Graves. He was the band member that survived the crash. He also goes to the crash site as well.

[@brianpupkiewicz6447]

Scott congrats on hitting 250k subs. Well deserved keep it up!!!

[@scottakaswb7545]

Tuesday gone a great song. You’re right brother.

[@lovebuzz1979]

His resting place is so perfect and peaceful. Such a beautiful soul resting in peace. Thank you Scott🕊️

[@historyadventureswithcandi3497]

Still love their music. ❤

[@donnahunter3488]

It’s still so hard to believe that they are All gone now!!! 💔😭 Oh how I loved them all some very much… 💞❤️ Thank you Scott for showing us where Gary was buried at. Everything you do, Thank you!!! 👍🫶💋

[@craftingzoe]

I can't believe someone who do that to a body. What is wrong with them! That's unforgivable.

[@scottakaswb7545]

I’m so glade there all together. I think that’s amazing. love how there graves are so close to each other .

[@Mike_Fahmy]

RIP Ronnie Van Zant 🙏🕊️

[@kellyharrison9489]

Cause the 70💤 were so great. Free Bird was iconic. Times have forgotten but preservation is sooooo necessary.

[@saltyclaws]

Great video Scott , Skynyrd what a great band .. Johnnie carried the torch well too

[@JoeFromJoplinMO]

Thank you, Scott. I always enjoy your Skynyrd vlogs. I was fortunate to know both Steve and Cassie, as we all lived a few miles from one another. Steve and Cassie in Miami, OK and me in Joplin, MO. We were all quite young then, I being the youngest of all. According to family members, Steve is definitely in the original location you visited in this vlog. Theresa was Steve's widow, who remarried, hence the last name Rapp. Over the years, I have become acquainted with the survivors, as well as their spouses and children. This past year we lost Gary, and as far as I'm concerned, LS is now more of a tribute band these days, in my opinion. Rest in peace Ronnie, Cassie, Steve, the others who perished in the crash, and the rest who have gone on. "Tuesday's Gone..."Safe travels, Scott.-Joe from Joplin MO

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Wow that is amazing that you knew Steve and Cassie! Thank you for sharing that story Joe

[@JoeFromJoplinMO]

You're welcome, Scott. Keep up the amazing work! I really appreciate you.@@SCOTTONTAPE

[@sherylrodgers7873]

Thanks Scott- another great video. Hopefully Ronnie is done moving around> Has been gone for a long time. RIP Ronnie!

[@Luvoldmovies-Kat.St.Aug.]

Sweet ❤😇🎸🎵 Thank you Scott for showing us their resting place ⚰️🌹💕😇

[@beauduke1340]

Jacksonville Memory Gardens on Blanding is actually IN Orange Park. 😅 Once you cross the bridge past Argyle Forest from 295 south, you are in Clay county. I saw Judy say in an interview that there was 10 ft of concrete around his grave. Just because of the idiots messing with his resting place. Sad how so called fans were chipping pieces of the older headstones off. Not there people. 😅 wherever we go and listen to Lynyrd Skynyd-- he is there. As a fan his music is in our heart. I heard that Judy made that memorial there so fans can pay respects but Ronnie isnt there but cremated and Judy or Melody has his ashes. Judy lives in Orange Park by doctors lake. Or used to. They all died too young and are missed. Nice video man. 👍

[@esthergoulart3571]

RIP Ronnie!! His final resting place is beautiful!! Thank you for the great video Scott!! You are great!! Love you and love your channel!! Thank you for taking us to all the locations!! May they all RIP!! Much love!! ❤️❤️💙💙💖💖💜💜🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕😢😢✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@88JR2Win]

The bench was donated by Charlie Daniels. He loved Ronnie.❤❤❤

[@destinypowers1146]

Thank you so much Scott for covering Ronnie and the others. Always loved them

[@alliekuma4234]

Robert seemed really cool! What a beautiful cemetery and respectful grave. ♥ Thank you for these vids Scott. Stay safe!

[@jackiecota-ne8ye]

Wow Scott, you never cease to amaze me. Never knew the history of Ronnie Van Zant . Thank you Scott!! ❤❤❤

[@seanozier6100]

Love your videos bro thank u for the hard work u put in on these makes my day love learning new things

[@MidwestFlesh]

man he moved more than most people do alive! RIP Ronnie & Family! Great video...awesome how Robert reconized you!

[@user-wm8qs7bq6m]

I really like this final location of Ronnie. Nice and perfect and peaceful out looking the pond. I like too have a place like this looking out to the pond.

[@JillDials]

Another amazing video Scott!!!

[@deniserobinson7837]

You are so amazing in your videos Scott, you cover everything with such warmth heart and soul, Hope you get a visit over here to England and visit some amazing celebrities graves, sadly we have too many here also but I know you would tell theirs stories beautifully❤

[@KS-cz7nr]

Thank you for this.

[@tinawhite6450]

Hi Scott looking forward to this video you doing great job ❤

[@suehurrell134]

You managed to turn me onto some more good music Scott! Tuesdays gone now a new favourite ❤❤

[@warrengford9461]

Another very interesting one Mr Scott❤

[@ShawnShipstad]

Excellent-Thank you!!!

[@mikepage979]

Watching from England, always love your videos scott,fascinating watch

[@mikeloeffler2801]

Wow great video Skynyrd was one of my favorite bands ever love the channel keep up the good work👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@dianewood15]

Aww brilliant Scott thanks for sharing this Lynyrd Skynryd were so good I loved them

[@michaelpena5986]

And for the Gaines family. What a tragedy to lose to of ur children the same day! Thanx those members like Ronnie for fighting for our country in Vietnam!!

[@andreaweingarten-pj7jc]

Very interesting. Thanks Scott, great work as always 👍

[@JohnnyKennedy-sf4sf]

I know you're gonna dig this Jacksonville Florida 🇺🇸

[@JohnnyKennedy-sf4sf]

Jacksonville Florida 🇺🇸

[@JohnnyKennedy-sf4sf]

Jacksonville Florida 🇺🇸

[@JohnnyKennedy-sf4sf]

I know you're gonna dig this Jacksonville Florida 🇺🇸

[@shanedenny5234]

Nice video Scott. The memories that this band has left behind are just as legendary as the band itself.❤

[@joshuawaltz9484]

I agree with you Scott. I love Tuesdays Gone. That guitar riff is the greatest. It made Happy Gilmore such a great movie.

[@beckyromeo1007]

I had a hard time watching this one Scott so many memories came rushing back but I made it with a tear ❤

[@kevinhensley4643]

Thank you for sharing

[@darinsutton7638]

I have visited the furst 2 gravesites over the years , and took my son with me one time so he could see where they were buried . I didnt know about the 3rd gravesite for Ronnie , so i am happy to have found your video . The bench that was engraved you read from , was done by Charlie Daniels of the Charlie Daniels Band . I wasnt sure you knew that because you didnt mention it , i heard the were good friends and had a great respect for each other .. So thanks for sharing your story and thoughts . Thanks From Fl

[@susanna3]

Great job Scott! Tuesday's Gone is one of my favorites too❤

[@kathynorris2371]

Thank you so much Scott for what you do!!!! I deeply appreciate it!

[@TheCrackerBox]

Thanks for another , Brother !

[@syreetaabney6968]

Scott what a great video, and thank you for sharing with us.

[@70brine]

You do a great job Scott. Love Skynyrd.

[@Christine-il8nm]

Thankyou. Scott always enjoy your videos .

[@karendorsey4780]

The cemetery is just so beautiful. So serene! Scott you always do an amazing job with your videos! You show so much respect and reverence for stars ! Some gone too soon. ❤🙏🏽

[@karenthorburn3413]

Another great video scott as always really enjoyed this ❤ hugs from dublin ❤

[@debbieblaylock9997]

I still remember when the plane went down when we lost them.i cried. Thay are gone but not forgotten. Thanks for this Scott

[@lilbabybubbiebubspinkytoes1986]

Alright I clicked on it...and I'll watch it later.

[@dvelmont63]

Much love Scott thank you again for these videos 😢so sad , tragic loss 💔

[@AfterDarkParanormal]

It takes a special kind of sicko to mess with someone's remains! Beautiful video. It's so sad to lose so many kids in one plane crash.