As an avid Bob Ross fan, you may have wondered: can I visit Bob Ross‘s final resting place to pay my respects to the beloved painter and television personality?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know to plan a visit to Bob Ross‘s grave, including:
- Where Bob Ross‘s Buried and Details on His Grave Site
- Visiting the Bob Ross Museum and Other Ways to Connect With His Legacy
- Interesting and Surprising Facts From Bob Ross‘s Life
- Bob Ross By the Numbers – Key Statistics About His Career
- Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About His Burial
- Tips From Other Fans Who Have Visited
Follow along on this journey, and let your happy little clouds guide you to serenity at the tomb of one of pop culture‘s most iconic artists.
Where Bob Ross is Buried and Details on His Grave Site
Bob Ross was laid to rest in Gotha, Florida at the Woodlawn Memorial Park cemetery. Specifically, his grave can be found in the Garden of Majesty section, plot number 52.
Woodlawn Memorial Park offers beautiful, tranquil scenery complete with fountains and lush landscaping. It‘s easy to see why Ross would choose this as his final resting spot. His grave sits underneath a large tree just steps away from a peaceful fountain – an ideal location for the nature-loving painter.
His granite headstone simply reads:
"Bob Ross
Beloved Painter and Teacher
1942-1995"
There is also a plaque on a stand near the headstone that provides more details about Ross‘s life and commemorate his work bringing joy through art.
Visitors to Ross‘s grave often leave behind small tokens of appreciation like paint brushes, palettes, bobbleheads, rocks painted with landscapes, and even handwritten notes thanking Ross for the impact he had.
A bench has thoughtfully been provided so admirers can sit and reflect on Ross‘s legacy. There‘s also an easel and table set up to allow artists to paint their own landscape at Bob Ross‘s graveside – a fitting tribute to his teachings.
When planning your visit, keep in mind that Woodlawn Memorial Park is open to visitors every day from 8:30am to 5:00pm. You can pay your respects any time during these hours. The address is:
Woodlawn Memorial Park
400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd
Gotha, FL 34734
Visit the Bob Ross Museum and Other Ways to Connect With His Legacy
Located just 10 miles from his gravesite is the Bob Ross Museum in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. It contains a wealth of information and artifacts that celebrate Ross‘s life and work.
The museum displays many of Ross‘s actual tools and original paintings. You can watch episodes of The Joy of Painting in the video room, and even take a painting class yourself.
It offers an in-depth look at all stages of Ross‘s career from his Air Force days, to teaching his first students, all the way to his rise as an international celebrity and pop culture icon.
Some other ways you can connect with Bob Ross‘s enduring legacy include:
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Watching The Joy of Painting – all 403 episodes are available on DVD and various streaming platforms, so you can enjoy Ross‘s soothing voice and painting skills from your own home.
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Taking a Bob Ross painting workshop – certified Ross instructors teach classes across the country in his wet-on-wet technique so you can try it yourself.
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Sharing Bob Ross quotes and catch phrases – Ross was known for positive sayings like "happy little trees" and "there are no mistakes, just happy accidents." Keep spreading the joy through his words.
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Support Bob Ross Inc. – the company Ross founded continues selling his instructional books and painting supplies. You can also view and purchase Ross‘s paintings through them.
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See Bob Ross‘s artwork – several museums like the Smithsonian American Art Museum own some of Ross‘s paintings that you can view in person. There are also touring exhibitions of his work.
No matter how you choose to experience it, Ross‘s art and teachings have a truly calming, happy effect. He encouraged us all to embrace our creativity and believe in ourselves. Those messages will continue inspiring people everywhere for generations to come.
Interesting and Surprising Facts from Bob Ross‘s Life
While his soothing voice and painting style made him famous, there are some fascinating facts about Bob Ross that even his biggest fans may not know:
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He spent 20 years in the Air Force before beginning his creative career – and in contrast to his later relaxed persona, Ross was said to be a strict drill sergeant!
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All 403 episodes of his show were filmed in real time, with no breaks or editing. This demonstrated his incredible painting abilities live on screen.
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He hated cleaning up brushes, so he devised his quick wet-on-wet technique to avoid having to do it as often. Those happy little accidents shaped his signature style.
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His curly perm hairstyle was a purposeful choice to give himself a memorable, identifiable look compared to other art instructors.
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He never made money directly from his show. His income came from freelance painting, licensed products, and his line of instructional books and painting supplies.
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Ross donated many of his completed paintings to PBS stations, who then auctioned them off to charity. It was his way of giving back.
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When he met his second wife Jane, Ross proclaimed that he would get married on their first date. The couple remained together until his death.
These fun facts provide just a glimpse into the unique, fascinating life of this cult icon who encouraged everyone to embrace their creativity and believe in themselves.
Bob Ross By the Numbers: Key Statistics From His Career
Just how impactful was Bob Ross during his all-too-short lifetime? Here are some key statistics that quantify his incredible career:
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403 – Total episodes of The Joy of Painting produced and aired, featuring Bob Ross as host and painter
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27 years – Length of time The Joy of Painting was on air, from 1983 to 1994. The show lives on through reruns.
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91% – Peak household rating The Joy of Painting achieved – at its height, over 91% of all U.S. households with a TV tuned in.
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200,000 gallons – Amount of paint Bob Ross estimated he went through in his lifetime
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1 hour – Time it took Ross to complete a typical painting on his show – all done in one take live on camera
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6,000 – Classes held by certified Bob Ross instructors since his passing, keeping his teachings alive
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5 million – Estimated number of Bob Ross painting kits sold to aspiring artists
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$15-$35 million – Total net worth Ross had accumulated by the early 1990s according to various reports
Bob Ross‘s reach went far beyond what most artists dream of. His unrelenting positivity and encouragement to find the joy in creating will continue inspiring people for generations. The numbers don‘t lie – he truly touched millions of lives.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About His Burial
When preparing to visit the tomb of an icon like Bob Ross, it‘s understandable that many questions arise about his burial and final resting place. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Where exactly is Bob Ross buried?
Bob Ross‘s grave can be found at plot 52 in the Garden of Majesty section of Woodlawn Memorial Park, located at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha, FL 34734.
When did Bob Ross die?
Bob Ross passed away on July 4, 1995 at 52 years old. The cause of death was lymphoma.
Why is Bob Ross buried in Florida?
He had moved to Florida later in life as his television career took off. His wife, son, and many close friends also resided in Florida, making it a fitting choice.
Can you visit the Bob Ross grave site?
Yes! Woodlawn Memorial Park is open daily from 8:30am-5:00pm for those who wish to pay respects at his grave in the Garden of Majesty section.
Is there a monument or memorial to Bob Ross?
In addition to his headstone, there is a commemorative plaque and bench at the grave site. Fans often leave memorable items like paint brushes on his plot.
Who owns Bob Ross Inc. now?
Bob Ross‘s son Steve Ross now runs the company and oversees the use of his father‘s name, image, and trademarks. The company preserves Bob Ross‘s artistic legacy.
Where can I learn more about Bob Ross?
Watch The Joy of Painting, documentaries like Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed, exhibits at the Bob Ross Museum, and Bob Ross Inc. to dive deeper into his story.
Tips From Other Fans Who Have Visited Bob Ross‘s Grave
If you‘re planning a visit to Bob Ross‘s final resting place, these tips from fans who have already made the journey may help:
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"Bring art supplies! I brought a small canvas and paint set to do a painting at his grave as a tribute." – Jennifer, Atlanta
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"There are some great Bob Ross murals and restaurants in the area to visit while you‘re there. Stop into Plant Street Market Cafe." – Ryan, Orlando
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"Be sure to check the cemetery‘s hours and follow the rules. I put my phone on silent mode out of respect." – Hannah, Los Angeles
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"Bring your own lawn chair or blanket if you want to sit at the grave for a while. The bench fills up fast on nice days." – Robin, Akron
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"See if you can find a geocache hidden on the grounds – it‘s a cool way to honor Ross‘s love of nature." – Tom, Nashville
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"Take lots of pictures! Selfies are fine but be careful not to disrupt other visitors." – Maria, New York
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"The museum is a must-see to really appreciate his story. I watched Joy of Painting episodes in the viewing room." – Alexis, Miami
No matter how you choose to pay tribute, a visit to Bob Ross‘s grave offers the chance to reconnect with his peaceful, creative outlook on life. By sharing our reflections and memories, we keep the spirit of this iconic artist living on.
Find Your "Happy Little Trees" at Bob Ross‘s Final Resting Place
For over two decades, Bob Ross brought joy and relaxation into millions of homes with the soothing stroke of his painter‘s brush. His legacy lives on through fans who make the pilgrimage to his Florida graveside, leave heartfelt trinkets, and paint landscapes in his honor.
He lived life according to his favorite catchphrase – there are no mistakes, just happy accidents. We can all keep his optimism and encouragement alive in our own "worlds" that, as Ross would say, are waiting to be created.
So head to Gotha, relax by the tranquil fountain, and reflect on the gifts Bob Ross gave us – then go out into the world spreading the message that there is joy to be found in creativity. That‘s what he would have wanted…and now you have all the info needed to make your visit a truly happy one.
