Jimmy Dean to be buried in $350,000 piano tomb

Jun 17, 2010

Jimmy Dean to be buried in $350,000 piano tomb

09:33 AM

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In this April 2, 1964 file photo, Jimmy Dean smiles while he gets ready for a taping of his show

CAPTION

By AP

Yes, it's true. Jimmy Dean is going to be buried in a grand piano tomb.A public visitation and an open funeral service for the country music legend and sausage king will be held in Richmond on Sunday, followed by a private burial on Monday.
Dean died Sunday at his home in Varina, and that's where he will be laid to rest in the $350,000, 9 1/2-foot long, granite piano mausoleum overlooking the James River. On the piano, which he and his wife bought years ago, will be inscribed: "Here lies one hell of a man."
According to his widow, Donna Meade Dean, his epitaph is inspired by the last line of Big Bad John, the song that brought him a No. 1 hit in 1961. "He was the most special human being I've ever known," Dean tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "He had the best wit of anyone I ever knew. We made each other laugh. He was the man of my dreams. "
Nelsen Funeral Home's website says the visitation is scheduled from noon to 8 p.m. June 20 at the funeral home. The funeral service - "a celebration of Jimmy's life" - will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Grove Avenue Baptist Church, followed by a private burial at Dean's home.