So sorry to hear about Waylon. I saw the news on CNN the evening he died, and immediately called my brother (the KA) and my dad to let them know. I grew up listening to him and Willie because my dad and uncle had every album!
As for Waylon cheating death (concerning the Buddy Holly plane crash), from what I understand, the Big Bopper was sick and didn't want to travel on the tour bus, so Waylon gave him his seat on the plane at the last minute and took the bus instead.
He will be sorely missed.