Leonard Skinner, the gym class teacher who served as the inspiration for the name of the legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died in his sleep on Monday. He was 77.

Skinner was a gym teacher and coach at the Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida in the 60s. His former students included the band’s lead vocalist and founder Ronnie Van Zant, who was killed in a plane crash in 1977, and the other band mates.

The news of Skinner’s death was posted on the band’s website. Guitarist and founding member Gary Rossington wrote, “Coach Skinner had such a profound impact on our youth that ultimately led us to naming the band, which you know as Lynyrd Skynyrd, after him…Looking back, I cannot imagine it any other way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd became popular in the 70s and its hit songs include “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Freebird.” It was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

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