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Lacy Van-Zant Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Lacy Van-Zant
Tim
June 6, 2022
"I drove for,Roadway,Hopewell,Interstate,Great Lakes,Walford Mac,Time,Great Lakes,Freightline, Spectre,Western and Gillete. Wilson Associates got all that driving done and tell ya boy,there ain't no easy run ."
Stacy Jennings Hill
September 5, 2021
I remember as a child my grandfather lived a street behind Mr VanZant and he was restoring a house. We as children would go over and play in the house he was restoring and he was so patient with us, he would stop working and talk to us. He took us in his home to show us his son's gold records. Just the things I remember of him he was a kind, gentle person. It was a blessing to have known him. Heaven has definitely gained an angel. God bless the family.
Angel Aydell-Boone
August 1, 2021
Remembering you today, Papa V.
It was an honor & a blessing to meet you, Sir.
Rest In Heavenly Peace
Lynn Dowless
March 4, 2021
I wish I could have met him
Phil Szczur
August 3, 2020
16 years so hard to believe...
As always, Thank You
You & the boys will never be forgotten
Southern by the Grace of God
James Hay
April 27, 2018
My Most Sincerest Condolences To Johnny, Donny And All Of The Van Zant Family Lancy Van Zant Was One Of An Kind As Both An Southerner As Well As An Individual. Papa Z Will Always Be Remembered Warmly And Always Missed. Rock In Peace Papa Z.
Diane Brooks
September 1, 2004
To all of the VanZant Family &
friends of Lacy,
Our family extends our deepest condolences for the loss you have had.
He lived a long and fruitful life, and it is with saddness that I personally never got to meet him. However, it feels like I have known him in so many ways.
Thank you Papa Lacy for the wonderful gift you gave to all of us, thru the talents of your sons and their music.
Sincerely,
Swampy and the Brooks family
Palatka Fl.
God Bless you Papa Van Zant.....we will never forget you!
Katbyrd
August 31, 2004
God's Heavenly Garden
By: Dorothea K. Barwick
Sometime s God picks a flower
that is still in bloom;
Sometimes the rosebud chosen
we feel he picked to soon.
Sometimes the flower is fading
with petals floating down,
But God knows the perfect time
to gather flowers from the ground.
There is a heavenly garden
in which God takes great pleasure
Because He's placed within it
the loved ones that we treasure.
He walks among the blossoms
giving them eternal rest
and I know that must please him,
because He chose our very best.
Sterling French
August 31, 2004
To the VanZant Family,
My name is Sterling.I am 8 years old. I am very sorry to hear Mr. Lacy passed away. My Mom passed away 2 years ago. It was very sad. I know my Mom and Mr.Lacy are in a better place and are resting.
Every year my Grandpa and Grandma take me to see our annual Skynyrd show when I come to Jax for the summer and to see Miss Jane too. My heroes are Johnny and Rickey.
I wish you all the best,
Sterling
It's anothrt day for Johnny & Robert ! Git er dun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Robert Andreu
August 29, 2004
Fly on proud papa! You have a beautuful wife awating for you and ronnie has waited for more than more than 25 years to be with you Lacy & Sissy1 Dont worry we will care for johnny & Donny!
Don Stallard
August 25, 2004
Lacy-your place is forever safe in American history as Papa VZ. May you find a sunny fishin hole and a good pickup truck and resume your time with Ronnie and be together again with your beloved "Sister" and other family and friends. The Van-Zant's have gave so much to so many million. God Bless you. The Southern wind blew a little harder today. Much Love.
Grey
August 24, 2004
many yrs ago i got to meet and spend time with Lacy for the first time, sister opened her home to a few of us that rainy night even though we disturbed there dinner, Lacy lead us to his prize trophy room full of his sons acomplishments , man talk about seeing true pride in a poppa. After we spent time looking and enjoyin we sat and lacy pointed to a poster of johnny leaned against the wall and told me to move it , which i did and there stood a picture of Jesus , he smiled and said there's your answer to everything son i swear that moment ill remember forever , I got to learn alot over time talking with him,listening ,,, I love you poppa !!!!
rita song
August 18, 2004
lacy your a freebird now and with rvz and marion and all the great freebirds who flew off over the years.
i wish i could of met you but it didnt happen.
i still feel theres was a closeness there,
thank you for all you have done for all
you gave the world 3 great gifted sons that made my life better and all.
you were there for them all the time.you raised them well.
i can just see ya now with all freebirds that youve missed over the years.
having a great time seeing and being with them again.
tell rvz that i love him and miss him and say hello to all our brothers and sisters.
lacy i miss you and cant wate to be there some day.
Truck Drivin' Man
---------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------
(Ronnie VanZant -- Ed King)
Well he's truckin' on down from Memphis
Cruisin' down to New Orleans
Tonight he sleeps alone with a Cajun queen
Well there's smoke from the stacks a-blowin'
And he don't care where he's goin'
The only time he feels right is when he's rollin'
He's got roadmaps in his hand
Lord, drivin' just as hard as he can
Trying to dodge them scales and the Man
Well I'm talkin' about
Truck drivin' man
Yea he'll always give ya, the best that he can.
White cups and coffee, Lord yea
Its all that he needs
And he's all right by me
Truck drivin' man
Truck on
Truck driver
Shift your gears
He's got ladies up in North Dakota
From the Keys man, to Minnesota
And he loves each and every one, least that's what he's told 'em
Lord, flannel shirts and blue jeans
Truck stops are routine
Tonight he sleeps alone with a Cajun queen
Well I'm talkin' about
Truck drivin' man
Yea he'll always give ya, the best that he can.
White cups and coffee, Lord yea
Its all that he needs
And he's all right by me
Truck drivin' man
Guitar
Truck driver
Well he's truckin' on down from Memphis
rvz sings it well ........ lacy your the best ever
Frances Hasty
August 17, 2004
Through my now grown-up children,over the years I have grown to love and appreciate the music and talents of the VanZant family ,as well as all the other members of the different bands the [Boys] were in.My sincere sympathy to the family and friends for the loss of "The Grand Ole DAD of Southern Rock".May his memory live on forever,Sincerely,a fan [Mom of [email protected]]
Ted Maher
August 15, 2004
My deepest condolences and sympathy go out to the Vanzant family for their loss of the great one Lacy!
Bobby Ovarlet
August 15, 2004
MET HIM AT THE FREE BIRD PARK IN JACKSONVILLE. FLA, TALKED, SOCIALIZED,GOT A PHOTO W HIM, HE WAS A VERY PERSONABLE, NICE MAN... GOT A PIC OF HIM ON MY OFFICE WALL.. WHERE IT WILL ALWAYS REAMAIN... I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A NUMBER 1 SOUTHERN ROCK FAN AND ALWAYS WILL REMAIN TRUE TO SOUTHERN ROCK!!!!!
Diane Sullivan
August 14, 2004
There are no words that I could say that would make you feel any better. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Lacy Van-Zant's family.
Jan Van Baekel
August 14, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the family of Lacy Van Zant : Be strong and keep up, now two freebirds are flying in the sky !
Fly Proud Papa Van Zant and say hello to Ronnie !
Jakke (from Belgium)
John Sams
August 14, 2004
My thought's and prayers go out to all in The Van Zant Family! Just leave it in God's hands and he will see you through! May you rest in peace, Mr Van Zant! God's work here on earth is done put you will live forever in our hearts!
Elaine (LaineeLou) Gagnier
August 13, 2004
Extending my prayers and deepest sympathies for Lacy's loving family.
I will always remember, with great fondness, a very dear Southern Gentleman.
Kris Bell
August 13, 2004
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Van-Zant family and loved ones. Lacy was a man of such presence and stature. I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet and talk with him. He will forever be the Father of Southern Rock.
"Fly on proud bird, you're free at last"
Lynn
August 13, 2004
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Lacy VanZant. You are in my prayers.
God Bless
Allen Rhodes
August 13, 2004
I would like to thank the Van Zant family for their continuing contribution to our world. When something is truly good, you just know it!
Thank You
Allen Rhodes
CHRIS HECKMAN
August 12, 2004
My sorrow's go out to all the familys & frynds! THANKS LACY for all you have givin to (ME) and every one else who have LOVED your boy's and the superior legacy and music they have givin to the world!!!!!!!!! Tell the other birds Cassie and the cat in the hat we miss them and THANK YOU! TO YOU, AND THEM !! FOREVER LOYAL CHRIS
Gene Andrews
August 12, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the family of Lacy Vanzant. I must say that your Papa was a good man to know, whenever I stopped by he always had time to talk with me and my family. I grew up around the west side of Jacksonville and he loved his family and was proud of the success of his sons. I will miss him a lot but his legacy will live on in southern rock n'roll as Donnie and Johnnie keep on rockin' and singing.
Demetria McMinn
August 12, 2004
Dear Donnie & Ashley,
Sorry to hear about your Papa but he is now with Sister in peace. I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know them when I came down to one of your concerts. I made him some special homemade biscuits that he really liked. I still have pictures of him that I treasure. I will miss all of the good times visiting your folks. See you all later on when you're on tour playing a tribute to the Father of Southern Rock n'Roll.
Mathias Westerlund
August 12, 2004
Say hello to Ronnie..
R.I.P Mr. Lacy Van Zant.
Kenneth
August 12, 2004
All my thoughts to the VanZant family. Be strong and keep up what you´re doing it makes many people happy
To Lazy- Fly Free
Kenneth
Bev and Bruce Rodd
August 12, 2004
Sorry to hear of Lacy's passing. He has left the world a wonderful legacy in the life lessons sung by his sons.
Dwana Bailey
August 11, 2004
Heaven must have needed another Angel!
May GOD be with the entire VanZant family at this tyme.
My thoughts and prayers will be with each one at this tyme.
Fly Proud Papa VanZant!
You are free at last!
You will be remembered!
Carol Scollon
August 11, 2004
The van Zants are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
dave and denise gallo
August 11, 2004
to the entire van zant family,
god bless all of you in your
time of loss,pop is in a better
place now.
love always
dave and denise gallo
Valerie Smith
August 11, 2004
Fly on proud Lacy...you are free at last! You will never know how much we miss you here on earth, nor how many hearts you have touched. We will always remember, admire, and love you. May we all take comfort in knowing that you have been reunited with your loved ones.
Jymmy and Deb Panonas
August 11, 2004
just got done seeing you at COMSTOCK ROCK when we heard the news. papa Van Zant will be remembered ALWAYS! fly on home papa bird!
David & Ginny Prior
August 11, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with The Van Zant family during this difficult time and we pray that God will be with you and bless you.
Eugene & Shonna, Courtney and Mary Andrews
August 10, 2004
To the Family of Lacy VanZant
I got to meet Papa and the family when I was a young boy in school. I was fasicinated when he drove me in his son Ronnie's old gray '55 chevy pick-up truck. I remembered seeing all of his son's gold albums on the walls at his house and I recall sitting on his free-bird couch that Ronnie had got him and Sister. As the years passed he met my wife and my two girls. Over the years I have been to his house quite a lot. I will miss him very much as he was a good man to know. My young girls thought that he looked a lot like santa claus. He smiled and he would joke a lot. Rest in Peace....Papa
Marc Kreienbrink
August 10, 2004
May the peace of God - which passes all human understanding - comfort and keep you during this time. Heaven has gained a great man, one that gave us so much by sharing his sons with us and being such a supportive father.
Melodee Andrews
August 10, 2004
In Memory of Lacy van-Zant......you were a very lucky man...you got to live to the golden age of 89...you got to see things and obtain goals that most folks only dream about...you were married to your wife for over fifty years---and together you were blessed with a loving and caring family...your 3 famous sons and their bands brought southern rock n'roll to the people...you and your family always had time to spend with the everyday folks that stopped by...you were a firm believer in standing up for what you thought was right...your wisdom made you a mentor to the younger generation [my children and my grandchildren]... in remembering our past, you did well each year in the re-enactment of the civil war...you will be greatly missed by all of us that knew you and your family. PS at your funeral there were so very many friends and family gathered about you as you were laid to rest that it touched my very soul to see so very many loved ones with tears in their eyes mourn for the Papa of a legendary family...it added a warm heart-caring feelin' when your children placed a red rose on the lowered casket ...your memory will not soon be forgot for we still remember Sister and how so very dear she was to you...and as for Ronnie it seems like only yesterday that we listened to his music as he sang barefoot on the stage so he could feel the rhythm and vibrations of what we now call Southern Rockn'Roll
stefan buehner
August 10, 2004
I happened to be in Wisconsin when I heard the news. Doubly saddened by the lose of the father of my two favourite Rock'n'Rollers and hope to make up the lost show soon.
God bles the entire Van Zant families. They have brought so much joy into so many lives !!!!
J. LONG
August 10, 2004
God bless the Van Zant family during this difficult time and thank you Mr. Van Zant for sharing your family with the world. You and yours are loved more than you will ever know.
Jim Kivlehan
August 10, 2004
To the entire Van-Zant family, you are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of loss.
Jim, Sandy & Carolyn Kivlehan
Zora Manovic-Riva
August 10, 2004
To the VanZant family & freinds i wish to express my deepest sympathies,My thoughts and prayers are with you all,God bless you all.
RIP Lacy
Deb Archambault
August 9, 2004
My condolences to the Van Zant family and friends
Fly on proud free bird--
Wendi & Norm Pruitt
August 9, 2004
Donny (and Jonny)We are very sorry to here about the loss of your father,Lacy. Our thoughts are with you..."Fly to the Angels-heaven awaits your heart and flowers bloom in your name" (words from the band Skid Row-"Fly to the Angels")
From all of us in the band SyNyGy
Janine Goulet
August 9, 2004
It was a divine pleasure and honor to meet Lacy several times in the past 15 years. Truly a unique southern gentleman. I loved to hear his stories, especially when you never knew where they were going!
My sympathy and condolences to the VanZant family. We will all meet again some day.
William G. Collins
August 9, 2004
Words can't express the loss of this gentleman.The legacy he leaves behind is unparalled.Heaven is a much better place now and the world we live in has a huge void.God bless you Lacy and thank you for what you have bestowed upon God's Green Earth.
RAYMOND DRIGGERS
August 9, 2004
sorry to hear about your father's passing,just know in your heart that lacy left a great legacy to the music world.our prayers are with you and your loved ones, ray & michele driggers ,,,,,,,,,,
Pam Bell
August 9, 2004
Pam,Buddy & Sean Bell
August 9, 2004
We were sadden to hear about your loss, our thought's and prayer's are with each & everyone in the Van-Zant family.
Bill Hunt & Khimie Parrish
Stacey & Brett Richardson
August 9, 2004
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the entire VanZant Family. May you all take comfort in each others love and the love of all those who cared for the patriarch of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, bless your hearts.
May Lacy rest in peace in the company of those loved ones whom passed before him.
With respect and blessings,
Brett and Stacey Richardson
Bruce Wall
August 9, 2004
Lacy, we will all miss you dearly. We know you are with your beloved Sister and Ronnie and that gives us some comfort. All our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Van Zant family right now.
Paul Marin
August 8, 2004
He was so very.....well, Southern.
It seems nowadays that so very few still are. And that's a shame.
De Lois Livermore
August 8, 2004
We all know what an inspiration Lacy was to his family. He and Sister were *always there* for the boys. He's not really gone...just in a much better place. It was truly an honor to have known him. Fly high, Free Bird. You have earned your wings!
Cindy N
August 8, 2004
Just wanted to express my symapthies to the Van Zant family. I had the pleasure of meeting Johnny in June of this year and he is a fantastic person, I am sure that he was a replica of his father. Lacy has gone to reunite with his other loved ones now and he has left a tremendous legacy behind. Fly on, Freebird.
Barry Johnson
August 8, 2004
I would just like to let the Van-Zant family know that they are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,and what a tremendous legacy Mr.Lacy Van-Zant,leaves us all with.He was truly an incredible man,one that will never be forgotten.
bryan almon
August 8, 2004
He is truly what a american should be. He worked and raised his family his way and when confronted with fame and loss and then a rebirth he handled it with class and grace.
Tonja Caponigro
August 8, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Van-Zant family. We were very sad to hear about Lacy. He and Sister raised a wonderful family and for that we are all grateful.
Pat Terranova
August 8, 2004
I just want to say that Lacy was one of the coolest people I've ever had the opportunity to meet.The father of my inspiration.Thank you also Artimus for being a part of my tribute to Skynyrd.
Pat Terranova
(Rambler vocals)
Larry Goad
August 8, 2004
May God Bless Your crossing Lacy, you will be with Sister and Ronnie Again.
From your soul came so much to this world, thank you.
Pam & Pat Snodgrass
August 8, 2004
We're so sorry to hear of the passing of Lacy Van Zant. We'll keep all of the Van Zant family in our prayers.
Lorrie Young
August 8, 2004
My thoughts and prayers go out to Donnie, Johnny and the entire Van Zant family. God has added a very special "Angel". Lacy's legacy will live on forever through your heart, soul and your music. May God bless you in your time of need. Sincerely, Lorrie
Jessica Frye
August 8, 2004
The father of Southern Rock will truely be missed by all. He is now at home with Ronnie.
leigh ann hearn
August 8, 2004
Lacy you are a one of a kind very special man. Thank you so much for giving us your talented and creative sons and encouraging and supporting them throughout their lives. Without you and Sister there would be no Skynyrd. Your influence was greatly felt,seen and heard by all us fans and we thank you so much. You will always have a special place in all of our hearts.
Pete Conway
August 8, 2004
Dear Van Zant Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Papa V. I am so glad that Papa V and Sister gave us such beautiful musical talent. Fly on Papa V, you are now a Freebird.
Frank & Holly Rocco
August 8, 2004
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Van Zant family on their loss of Lacy. See you on the other side "Papa Van"
Wayland Slater
August 8, 2004
Daddy VanZant is now a Free Bird and is now with those that proceded him. He now looks down from the same balocony as Ronnie and the others do on Lynyrd Skynyrd and their frynds, family, and fans. Godspeed Lacy.
CAROLYN MILLER
August 8, 2004
MY DEEPEST PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, IT IS ALWAYS SAD TO LOSE SOMEONE SO DEAR, BUT KNOWING, HE'S IN HEAVEN,& WITH LOVED ONES & WITH GOD,OFFERS YOU COMFORT. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. CAROLYN MILLER
Bob OHara
August 8, 2004
A fine man has passed on to a better place. Now you can be with Ronnie. I truly believe Lacy was the reason; with his support of the band after the crash; that Skynyrd still lives on today.
Bob
Leslie Culver-Phurrough
August 8, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the entire Van Zant family. May you find comfort in the memories of the wonderful years you shared with Mr. Lacy Van Zant, and in the knowledge that he touched the lives of people all over the world. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Artimus Pyle
August 8, 2004
To Lacy ... From Artimus
I love you Lacy and I wish you peace. I know you loved me too. We traveled many miles on tour together watching the sun come up on our tour bus (the milk and cookie bus). I loved listening to your truck driving stories. So, I will polish my boots and saddle and I will take out my Marine Corp officers' sword given to me by Gary Rossington and I will salute you.
Drummer Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sergeant United States Marine Corp
JoAnn Kerezsi
August 8, 2004
I am a long tyme fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd.....I am terribly sorry to hear of the loss of Lacy...May he rest in peace, and in our hearts forever!! Love, JoAnn
MELISSA JOHNSON
August 8, 2004
May god bless your family and fans .U sure was and always will be papa of rock n roll .I know its hard for u i to lost my mother&father within a year apart 3 years ago to cancer thay were both 60years old. I feel like i got cheated but i look foward to seeing them in heaven.I can see by reading this guest book that your dad touched many hearts .FLY TO HEAVEN FREEBIRD ... LOVE A FAN FOR LIFE .
Dawn (Tuesday) Fox
August 8, 2004
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Van Zant family. We had the honor of meeting Poppa Van Zant , he was a kind and careing man. A true simple man.
Dawn,Gary,Matthew & Jessie
David Wright
August 8, 2004
May all of Lacy's family find peace in the thought that they were all blessed to have shared some of their life with a man like "Lacy". A true "Dad" in every since of the word. God Bless you All.
SouthernGeorge + CeCi
August 8, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers for papa Lacy and the VanZant family. he's in a better world, he's a freebird now.
God Bless
George & CeCi
CALVIN WILLIAMS
August 8, 2004
A MAN IS NOT GONE UNTIL HE IS FORGOTTON FLY HIGH FREE BIRD WE LOVE YA CALVIN AND DARLENE WILLIAMS
Jamie Jacobs
August 8, 2004
My cincere concolances goes out to the VanZants and their extended families. Times like this are hard, as we all know. Just remember the words of, "Simple Man," "Troubles will come and they will pass." And also remember, there is someone up above.
God bless you,
Jamie Jacobs
Southeast, Missouri
Donald Bradford
August 8, 2004
Our Prayers and Thoughts are with Lacy's Family ,I have always loved what you've done to southern rock, Rest in peace Pappa Van.
Donald & Dawn & Family
Tim Burns
August 8, 2004
Thank you for what you've given the world of music. Through you, your sons
and your family you have brougth pleasure and happiness to millions.
God's speed!
Ivy Leigh Taylor
August 8, 2004
I loved his book "The Van-Zant Family -- Southern Music Scrap Book" and had hoped for a follow-up, but it looks like we'll have to roll up our shirt sleeves and carry on... in the lives that we lead and in the words of our songs...
May we all have a Lacy Van-Zant in our lives and may we be one to those who those who need that inspiration.
Give a kiss on the cheek to that barefoot boy. The west coast sends its love on the wind...
Brandy Booth
August 8, 2004
Well, I didnt know papa that well, but from what I know he was a nice man. I use to live in his neighbor hood. I met because of my mom wanted to rent a place from him. My uncle Gene gave me a shirt with papa and sister on it and I wore it to school (Robert E. Lee Highschool) and everyone was like didnt his sons go to this school and I told them yea. Well I am praying for Donnie, Jonnie and all the other family. God Bless all!!!!!
Kirk Dye
August 8, 2004
Fly on papa , your impact on people will be felt for many years to come
Sandra Cowdery
August 8, 2004
TO the Van Zant family and to the lynyrd skynyrd and .38 Special bands , my prayers are with you all , we as fans think of you all as our own family ,so when you grieve ,we grieve too, I pray that now Papa Van Zant will be reunited with Ronnie ,JOann ,and his other half ,your mom ,Marion . And also I thank him for sharing , Ronnie, you Donnie ,and you Johnny,because I appericate and love the lynyrd skynyrd and .38 Special bands ,and also all of the other freebirds that have allready gone on. The way you both have carried the memory of Ronnie on , how proud your Dad was of you all ,and now that he is a freebird too may he fly high and free,and to all of his family ,may you feel the Lord close to you and bring you peace, and fill you with the strength you need to carry on , and to Johnny ,As you said in a song, we have always been here to sing the truth to you , that is right ,and I personally don't ever want to know that my band is gone , I love you too much , and I wish for you Donnie ,pretty much the same , and most of all thanks for sharing your families with us fans.And Papa Van Zant you will always be with us as are the other freebirds because ,a man is never dead ,if he is always rembered.!!
Claudia Sanford
August 7, 2004
What an amazing legacy this wonderful man left. His memory will live on through his family's music. Take comfort that Ronnie, Steve, Cassie and the rest were there to greet him.
Dawn Bradford
August 7, 2004
To the Van Zant family....I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God has added another angel in heaven and another star in the sky. May God be with you to comfort you in this time of sorrow. Lacy's legacy will stay alive through your heart and soul.
Laina Ballance
August 7, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our loss is Heavens gain.
May God bless the family.
Ray Barbour
August 7, 2004
I am saddened by this lost ,not just for the family but the loves one Lacy has.
Warren Phillips
August 7, 2004
God Bless the entire Van-Zant Family. Lacy is now in perfect peace.
TJ Davenport
August 7, 2004
Donnie, my husband and I just saw you at the Stampede night club on june 13th, I could tell by the look in your eyes that you were sad, but you still carried on. I just wanted to thank you for blessing us with your presence even though you were hurting inside and out (your leg) God Bless you all !!!!
Cheryl Roberts
August 7, 2004
Johhny and Donnie and all family members we were so sorry to hear about your great loss. He was a great man and a great father, he will truly be missed. Everyone is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jason Fesler
August 7, 2004
I was saddened to hear of Lacy's passing. I never got to meet him but he was a great man, thank you Lacy for your contribution to this world. Your gonna be greatly missed!! Thoughts & prayers are with the entire Van Zant Family during this difficult time, Keep the faith-Lacy is with the Lord now in Heaven!!
Terry and Cynthia Cooksey
August 7, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family today.
T and C
carol mcdade
August 7, 2004
sorry to hear about your lost of your father love your friend carol mcdade
Jerry Redden
August 7, 2004
We are all very sorry to hear of the passing of this legend of Rock & Roll. We send our deepest condolences on your loss.
rose smith
August 7, 2004
fly on papa you will make one heck of an angel!!!!!!!!!!!!!godspeed to the van zant family!i hope timbo has got with everyone up there he is probably the road manager!!!!!!!!!!rose smith [email protected]
mike stanley
August 7, 2004
As a young man I was in awe of Skynyrd so one day I took off on my bike to find the Van Zant home. I drove by where I thought it was and went by real slow. Papa V was in the yard and he Knew exactly what I was up to. He stopped me spoke with me and after a few minutes took me on a tour of the house. A few years later I ran into him at Wal Mart. He shook my hand and asked why I had not been back by to see him. After about 30 minutes We parted ways but not without saying come by and see me sometime Mike. I was amazed considering how many people he Knew He still remembered my name. Thats what kind of person Papa V was. May God bless his family in this time.
Ben Gibson
August 7, 2004
I had the pleasure of meeting your mother and father at the premiere of Freebird The Movie and several of the Freebird Festivals. So I only knew him from the strength of his handshake and the twinkle in his eyes. I found him to be a true southern gentleman.
I lost my father earlier this year, so I understand your grief. On the day my father died, I saw men that I have known my entire life walk into my parent's home with tears in their eyes. It gave me a sense of pride and comfort that I had never known. I know that all of you are feeling that same sense of pride.
Lacy Van Zant may have been the "Father of Southern Rock & Roll" but more importantly he was your daddy. Be proud of your daddy. On behalf of all the fans of the Van Zant family we honor the memory of your father. He is home.
San Diego Kid
August 7, 2004
It is said that a man's legacy can be measured by the shadow he casts on his world and the lives he touches; the fingerprint he leaves in his time and place.
Lacy VanZant casts a long shadow in our lives, ..... still. He has bettered our world through the gift of his sons and extended family. His influence and guidance, along with that of his beloved wife, whom he joins in heaven, are the foundation of much that we have all come together here to admire and appreciate.
I am proud to say that some of the lessons and values clearly imparted to his sons have been ingrained into my life through the gift of their thoughts, ideas and words. I know I am a better person, to the extent I am a good person, by virtue of what I have heard and felt through the music.
For us, the common fan, this is a loss. A passing and a reminder of just how temporary and fragile this life is. But his passing is more than that. Lacy was a daddy, a grandpa, a friend and mentor to many. His life is a blessing to us and will always be a heritage to those who knew and loved him.
This life that we are blessed with comes at a price and that price is the giving back of that which we cherish most. The love and companionship of those who truly share our lives. It is until we may see and be with them again that we must remember and honor them, knowing that they are in God's embrace in in His love.
Thank you Lacy Van Zant for a life of triumph and tragedy. Be at peace now and know that we will still remember you .......... too.
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