Bernard Eugene "Gene" Bayne

BAYNE, Bernard Eugene "Gene", "Bobo", "Pop", and "Papa", age 65, of Blackstone, passed away Friday, October 17, 2008 after a 16 year battle with muscular dystrophy. Gene was born in Lunenburg County on October 17, 1943. He worked at Levi Strauss for 21 years and served as the manager of the cutting room for a number and mechanics' supervisor. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a great friend to all that met him. He was known for his wit and sense of humor and had a way of making someone laugh even in the worst of times. He loved reading, woodwork, yardwork and before his muscular dystrophy took away his ability to walk, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and Sunday drives. He looked forward to the visits from his neighbors and faithful friends, Chuck and Rebecca Arnason of Blackstone. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Odell Bayne. He is survived by his devoted wife and faithful caregiver of 45 years, Diane C. Bayne; his mother, Annie Bayne Ellette of Lunenburg; two brothers, Ronnie Bayne and John Bayne; one sister, Betty Bayne Akers of Kenbridge; one stepsister, Barbara Bayne Adkins of Lunenburg; three daughters, Tammy Bayne Emerson and her husband, Joe of Glen Allen, Pamela Bayne Minton and Angie Bayne of Blackstone; five grandchildren, Ashley Hudgins and Aaron Hudgins of Blackstone, Austin Minton of Prince George, Emily and Abigail Emerson of Glen Allen; one great-grandson, Trey Jackson of Blackstone; and his faithful canine friend and companion "Cricket". The family will receive friends on Monday, October 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hamner-McMillian Funeral Home, 1400 South Main Street, Blackstone, Va. Services will be conducted on Tuesday, October 21, 11 a.m. at Hamner-McMillian Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends immediately following the service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department or the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Online register and shared condolences at www.hamnermcmillian.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.