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.

Odom said in a telephone interview, “I’ve written two books dealing with my experiences with the band. I was on the plane and knew something was wrong. The mechanics were working on the airplane, but refused to ground the plane, and as a result, the plane ran out of fuel.” In the crash, the pilots died, along with Van Zant, and three other band members. Odom also reiterated the fact that being on a doomed flight that ends with a crash haunts him daily and refuses to allow him to ever think he’s out of harms way. “I still feel that feeling of crashing every day. I guess I’ll always be on that fateful plane ride that killed some of my oldest and dearest friends.”

Mr. Odom’s survival was not without incident, however, as he sustained substantial, life-threatening injuries himself. “I lost an eye, suffered a broken neck and a broken back. It was a miracle that any of us made it out alive.”  The bands indomitable spirit and their ability to rekindle the creativity of their past are but a couple of reasons Lynyrd Skynyrd has remained a mainstay in our culture. Their name came from the coach Leonard Skinner, with a bit of a twist and some lettering changes. Coach Skinner will also be with Odom on November 5 to add to the storytelling and experiences shared. Come out and shoot the breeze with these two live wires! If you like interesting stories, you’re in for a fun time. Live music provided by Bobby Sanders, and Jesse and Jason Beverly is sure to get your toes a tappin’.  So come to Whit’s in Lilesville for music, laughter, and more!
LYNYRD SKYNYRD DOCUMENTARY