Gene Odom, Author, Former Body Guard, Remembers “Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Free Birds of Southern Rock” in Lilesville

By Melanie Morse
THE EXPRESS • September 14, 2005 • Page 12

Gene Odom, lifelong friend of the late Ronnie Van Zant, lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, will be visiting our area on Saturday, November 5. The author, bodyguard, friend and one of the survivors of the plane crash that took the life out of the “Free Birds of Southern Rock,” Lynyrd Skynyrd, will be at Whit’s Convenience in Lilesville from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. sharing some great stories. Odom also became close friends with one of Anson County’s native citizens, Billy Webb, many, many years ago. Billy is the son of William and Blanche Webb of Lilesville. They enjoy fishing at Ingram’s Level on the Pee Dee River, camping, and just swapping stories about the good ole south.
(more…)