Robert Clay “Bob” Bain
Robert Clay “Bob” Bain
Robert Clay “Bob” Bain, 87, of Lynchburg, passed away Feb. 24, 2026 at his home.
He was born the son of the late George and Lillian (Laming) Bain on Aug 15, 1938 in Covington, Ky.
A lifelong firefighter, Bob dedicated his life to protecting others. He faithfully served the Village of Lynchburg for decades and held the distinguished role of Fire Chief for more than ten years. He made history as the last Fire Chief of the Lynchburg Fire Department and first Fire Chief of District 400. His leadership, steady presence, and commitment to public safety left a lasting mark on the community he loved.
Before answering the call to serve as a firefighter, Bob began his working life driving a milk truck, hauling milk along familiar country roads. Known as a true socialite, Bob never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and could strike up a friendly conversation anywhere he went. Whether standing in the firehouse, attending a community event, or simply running into someone around town, he always had time to talk and share a laugh.
He also devoted many years to serving families in their time of need, working countless funerals at the funeral home in Lynchburg from the time it became Davis-Turner Funeral Home in the late 1970s. In his later years, Bob enjoyed spending his winters in Florida, soaking up the sunshine and warmer weather.
Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Hall) Bain, whom he married on March 5, 1982; his son, Jeff (Denise) Bain of Lynchburg; stepchildren, Diana Wilkin, Nancy (Doug) Foote, Sandy Wilkin, Tami Woodyard and Shane (Kristy) Wilkin; grandson, Ashton Bain; stepgrandchildren, Cass, Carrie, Britt, Derek, Colton, Kishla, Piper and Parker; great-grandchildren, Faith, Hope, Isaac, Meela, Anissa, Hadley, Beckett and Alex; great-great-grandson, Wyatt; and nephew, Donald Hedge.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Hedge; and niece, Carolyn Hedge.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 27 from 5-8 p.m. at Davis-Turner Funeral Home in Lynchburg. Funeral services with a Fireman’s Service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial with military honors performed by the Highland County Honor Guard will follow at Barnes Cemetery. For more information or to leave an online condolence or the family please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.