Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd – A Big Man

Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd = A Big Man

Got an email asking What kind of man was Ronnie Van Zant?. One you will never forget. I watched him help many people. He would give anyone the shirt of his back. I have seen him do it several times. He had a saying . His jeans cost $17.00 back then. Ronnie would say he cant let a dollar burn a hole into $17.00 jeans. When he had money on him, yours wasn’t any good. Over the years before he died he did benefits, charitable events, and gave away untold amounts of money for helping folks.

In the summer of 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrd was on tour in Mobile, Alabama. We had the night off. Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins and myself were walking through a park in downtown Mobile. We were going to get something to eat and do a little shopping. As we walked through the park we came upon a bench with 3 homeless fellows sitting there. Back in 1977 we called them bums, now homeless people.

As we got closer one of the men stood up and approached us. I was ready for anything. He asked if we had a quarter so they could get some coffee.

Ronnie said “Give me all of you’re money.” I said You’re robbing us, ain’t that their job? Ronnie said “Give me your money,” I will give it back when we get back to the hotel. “Come On.”  We had just gotten our per deim. Back then it was $140.00 with the per deim and the other money we had there was probably a thousand dollars among us.

This really got their attention. Ronnie said “Here take this and get some new clothes and shoes.”  But first go right over there and get something to eat. I am going to watch you’all walk into that restaurant. Ronnie said eat, buy some clothes and shoes before you buy something to drink.” We stood there and watched the 3 men order their food. They probably ate better than we did, we were a little short on money.

But I had a little something for Ronnie Van Zant. I kept a $100 dollar bill behind my drivers license so we didn’t have to starve. When I pulled out the $100 dollar bill Ronnie said I thought I got all the money? I smiled and said This $100 dollars is what separates me from them. You know what I mean. Ronnie just shook his head and started walking. I’m not near as dumb as I look I said. Bum and Dumb aint that far apart.

When we got back Ronnie went to the Road Manager and got our money back. I told Ronnie to keep it, that I had donated it. Ronnie said no I donated my money, not yours. He was right he could afford it, I could not.

Even after 30 years his generosity and good heart still affects me. I give a little money every now and then to folks who need it. And believe me I can tell the bums from the dumbs. Being on social security since 1990 I really don’t have extra money to give away, but sometimes a dollar or some change brings Ronnie’s spirit out. When I do give a little away I think of my Friend Ronnie, cause I know he is watching. He gave away so much, and wanted so little. What a Big Man……..

Your Friend,
Gene Odom

Ronnie Van Zant