On a recent trip to Orlando, Florida I visited the gravesite of famed television painter Bob Ross.  The gravesite is in Woodlawn Memorial Park, a beautiful, very large cemetery in Gotha, which is just outside Orlando.

Bob Ross is best known for his painting shows on PBS.  He produced over 400 shows on PBS which aired between 1983 and 1994.  He passed away from cancer July 4, 1995.  He never received a dime from any of his PBS shows.  He painted 3 paintings per show.  If you are lucky enough to find one of those paintings today, they generally sell for over $10,000.  Bob Ross made most of his money from his studios, painting accessories and books.

Ross' hair became part of his trademark, but he hated it.  Most people think his overgrown fro was natural, but it was anything but.  He permed it before he became famous so that he could save money on haircuts.  After becoming popular on television, he kept it.

Bob Ross' voice may be the most soothing voice to ever grace a television's speaker.  Ross was in the U.S. Air Force between 1961 and 1981.  He made it all the way to master sergeant.  His position in the military required him to yell a lot.  He swore once he left the Air Force he would never raise his voice again.

Ross was a friend to animals, going so far as to show baby squirrels in his painting shows.  At the time of my visit to his gravesite, fans had left squirrel figurines on his grave marker.

My kids were supposed to be with me but couldn't make it.  This is the video I made for them, but I'd like to share it with you.

 

More From 99.9 KTDY