Lacy and Marion "Sister" Van Zant
The American family has been painted by Norman Rockwell, celebrated by Hallmark, and protected by Capitol Hill. The family plays the leading role in the creation, growth, and development of life. It nurtures the soul and enables people to experience the dramatic power of enduring love.
Lacy and Marion Van Zant's marriage was a beautiful portrait of true love, courage, companionship, and strength. It was from this foundation that a loyal, loving, tight-knit family would go on to create a musical legacy. Ronnie, Donnie, and Johnny Van Zant would change the face of American music forever.
Although Lacy Van Zant is known to legions of fans as the Father of Southern Rock, it is his quiet role behind the scenes that has reaped him the greatest glory.
It would be difficult to find a man more supportive of his family than Lacy Van Zant. As the backbone of the Van Zant clan, Lacy worked hard to provide for his family both financially and emotionally. Through good times and bad, Lacy has been his family's greatest defender and advocate. He is equally proud of all the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren he has been blessed with.
Lacy was also a devoted husband to his late wife, Marion. For 53 years, he loved, honored, and admired his "Miss America." Her recent passing brought sorrow and loss to his door once more. Yet, Lacy's inner strength and perseverance has enabled him to press on. He is truly a remarkable man.
Once in a while, life affords us the unique privilege of knowing someone who is truly special and one of a kind. The rare individual who lives their life, in such a way, as to inspire others to live likewise. Someone who has the capability of brightening every soul they touch, so as to leave a permanent, positive, indelible imprint.
Marion Virginia Van Zant, affectionately known as "Sister," was just such a person. Although she was best known for her role as matriarch of the Van Zant legend, Sister created a legacy in her own right. A legacy that will continue through the lives of the many people she influenced.
Sister was a real class act. A straight shooter who stood up for what she believed in. She loved to help people and possessed a very kind, giving, generous spirit, especially towards children. In addition, she was also a traditional Southern Mom; opening her heart, and her home, to her children's friends, with grace, compassion, and good, old-fashioned, Southern hospitality.
In April of 2000, Sister unexpectedly passed away, leaving a huge void in the hearts of those who loved and admired her. While she has gone home to be with her beloved Ronnie, she will be sorely missed and irreplaceable.
~ Debbie Lee
On August 3, 2004 Lacy joined his beloved "Sister" and son Ronnie. All of our prayers and thoughts are with the Van Zant family. Below is the official press release on Lacy's passing.
PLEASE consider adding your wishes to Lacy in his
official memorial guestbook. Posts to this guestbook
will be given to the family as well.
Here is the link:
http://www.legacy.com/timesunion/Guestbook.asp?Page=Guestbook&PersonID=2490084
“FATHER OF SOUTHERN ROCK”
PASSES AWAY
LACY VAN ZANT DIES FOLLOWING PULMONARY ILLNESS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. On Tuesday Evening, August 3, 2004
at 7:29 p.m. EST, Lacy Van Zant succumbed to chronic
pulmonary illness. He was 89 years old. The father of the late Ronnie Van
Zant (founding member of Lynyrd
Skynyrd), Johnny Van Zant
of Lynyrd Skynyrd and
Donnie Van Zant of 38 Special, as well as two
daughters, Darlene and Marlene, Lacy was well-known as the Father of Southern
Rock. Lacy died peacefully at home in Jacksonville, Fla. surrounded by his
family. Funeral arrangements are still being arranged.
Lynyrd Skynyrd will
postpone or cancel their August 6 show in Louisville, Kentucky and their August
7 show in Greenville, Wisconsin. 38 Special will postpone or cancel their shows
on August 5 (Rama, Ontario), August 6 (Rockland,
Maine) and August 7 (Hughesville, Penn.). Should these shows be able to be
rescheduled, the new show dates will be announced as soon as they are available
and posted to each band’s website.
A memorial fund has been set up in Lacy’s memory.
In lieu of flowers, fans and friends are encouraged to make donations to
Community Hospice of Northeast Florida by sending checks to 4266 Sunbeam Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32257 or visiting
http://www.communityhospice.com/who_foundation.htm
and using the organization’s online donation form. Community Hospice provides
care for people with life-limiting illnesses and support for their loved ones.
A part of the Jacksonville community for more than two decades, Community
Hospice improves the quality of life for more than 650 adults and children every
day.