Woodlawn Memorial Park: Visiting the Final Resting Place of Bob Ross and Other Notable Figures in Gotha

A nearly century-old cemetery that draws art lovers from around the world to this quiet Central Florida community

Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha Florida

Here's something most people moving to Orlando don't realize: one of the most beloved artists in American history is buried just 20 minutes west of downtown, in the tiny community of Gotha. Woodlawn Memorial Park, a peaceful cemetery nestled among rolling, oak-shaded hills, is the final resting place of Bob Ross — the man who taught millions of us that there are no mistakes, just "happy little accidents."

But Woodlawn Memorial Park is far more than just one famous gravesite. Founded in 1926, this nearly century-old landmark tells the story of Central Florida itself, housing the remains of baseball players, musicians, a U.S. Congressman, and generations of Orlando-area families. Whether you're an art pilgrim, a history lover, or simply curious about the hidden gems in your own backyard, Woodlawn is worth knowing about.

A Brief History of Woodlawn Memorial Park

Woodlawn Memorial Park was founded in 1926 by Asher Peter and a group of civic leaders during the Florida land boom era. Located at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd in Gotha, the cemetery was designed as an inclusive, non-denominational resting place — a fitting home for a community originally settled by German freethinkers who valued intellectual openness and independence.

Over the decades, the park has grown into one of Central Florida's most distinguished memorial parks. The grounds feature beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, a serene lake, and a stunning mausoleum housing the "Life of Christ" mosaic — crafted in Italy using 11 million pieces of glass. Woodlawn also has its own full-size Liberty Bell replica, commissioned from France's Paccard Bell Foundry in 1972 for the nation's Bicentennial. It's one of only four Liberty Bells in the state of Florida.

Bob Ross: Gotha's Most Famous Resident

Let's be real — most visitors come to Woodlawn for one reason: Bob Ross. Born Robert Norman Ross in Daytona Beach in 1942, he served 20 years in the United States Air Force before launching his legendary PBS show, The Joy of Painting, which aired from 1983 to 1994. After his passing on July 4, 1995, Ross was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Section O, Lot 537.

His grave-site has become a pilgrimage for art lovers worldwide. Visitors regularly leave paintings, paintbrushes, flowers, painted rocks, and small figurines of squirrels (a nod to Ross's famous wildlife friends from the show) at his modest marker. The outpouring of love, even decades later, is genuinely moving. The grave sits beneath a sprawling oak draped in Spanish moss — a setting that feels like something Bob himself would have painted.

How to Find Bob Ross's Grave

Finding the grave-site is fairly straightforward. Enter through the main entrance (not the crematory gate), and head toward the back of the cemetery. Look for the marble colonnade with statues near the lake, then locate the Section O marker. Bob's grave is about eight rows from the monument. You'll likely spot it by the collection of mementos left by fans. The cemetery grounds staff is also happy to point you in the right direction if you need help.

Other Notable Figures at Woodlawn

While Bob Ross draws the most visitors, Woodlawn Memorial Park is the final resting place of several other notable individuals who shaped sports, music, and politics.

Tim Crews pitched relief for the Los Angeles Dodgers during their 1988 World Series championship season. Mike Cuellar, a four-time All-Star who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles dynasty of the early 1970s, also rests here. Music fans will recognize Teddy Randazzo, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee who penned "Goin' Out of My Head," and Dave "Lonesome Dave" Peverett of the rock band Foghat. From the world of politics, U.S. Congressman T. Vincent Quinn is also buried at Woodlawn.

Why Woodlawn Matters to the Gotha Community

Woodlawn Memorial Park isn't just a cemetery — it's an active part of the Gotha community. The park hosts events throughout the year, including an Easter sunrise service, a Mother's Day celebration, and a December holiday remembrance. The staff also participates in the Homeless Veterans Burial Program, providing dignified military funerals for veterans with no family.

For residents of nearby neighborhoods like Aliso Ridge, Siena Gardens, and Lake Fischer Estates, Woodlawn is part of the daily landscape — a landmark that connects the present to nearly a century of Central Florida history. It sits along the same Hempel Avenue corridor that houses other Gotha treasures like Nehrling Gardens and the Yellow Dog Eats café.

Woodlawn is also a natural complement to the broader arts and culture scene in the area. Explore more area arts and culture options in our comprehensive Gotha arts and culture guide.

Visitor Tips: Planning Your Visit to Woodlawn

Here's what you need to know before you go:

  • Address: 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha, FL 34734
  • Hours: Dawn to dusk daily (the cemetery is gated after hours)
  • Cost: Free — the park is open to the public for respectful visits
  • Phone: (407) 293-1361
  • Parking: Available on the cemetery grounds; you can drive close to most sections

A few insider tips: visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience. The grounds are expansive and mostly flat, but some areas can be uneven, so wear comfortable shoes. If you're leaving mementos at Bob Ross's grave, consider items that can withstand Florida's rainy weather — paper items tend not to last. And please be respectful of other visitors and families who have loved ones resting here.

Getting to Woodlawn Memorial Park

Woodlawn is easily accessible from most of metro Orlando. It sits near Lake Rose and can be reached via the Florida Turnpike, the 408 Expressway, or Old Winter Garden Road:

  • From Downtown Orlando — 20 minutes
  • From Windermere — 10 minutes
  • From Winter Garden — 10-15 minutes
  • From Dr. Phillips — 10-15 minutes
  • From Walt Disney World — About 30 minutes

If you're making a day of it, Woodlawn is a perfect stop on a tour of historic Gotha. Combine it with a visit to Nehrling Gardens, lunch at Yellow Dog Eats, and a ride along the West Orange Trail for a full day exploring one of Central Florida's best-kept secrets. Check out our complete Gotha entertainment guide for even more things to do in the area.

What the Locals Know

Woodlawn Memorial Park perfectly captures what makes Gotha special — a place where nearly 100 years of Central Florida history meets small-town charm and a surprising connection to pop culture. For residents of Gotha and the surrounding communities of Ocoee, Horizon West, and beyond, it's a reminder that some of the most meaningful landmarks aren't theme parks — they're quiet, oak-shaded parks where stories live on.

Whether you come to pay respects to Bob Ross, explore the stunning Life of Christ mosaic, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk through beautifully landscaped grounds, Woodlawn is worth the visit. And who knows — you might just leave feeling a little more inspired to paint some happy little trees of your own.

For more information about services, events, and visiting hours, check out Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home.

Have questions about Gotha neighborhoods or anywhere else in Central Florida? Explore our Gotha community guide or check out our guide to visiting Bob Ross's grave for even more details on planning your trip!