Robert Lail

1940 - 2025

Robert ("Bobby") Howard Lail, 84, of Lexington, Kentucky passed away in late October. Bobby was born on December 14, 1940 in Georgetown, Kentucky to the late Daniel and Beulah ("Blu") Lunsford Lail. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James Francis Lail.

A relentless worker, loyal friend, gracious mentor, and loving family man, Bobby consistently led by quiet example. Endlessly curious and deeply thoughtful, he lived with integrity, humility, and compassion. Bobby gave freely of himself to others. His bright smile and gentle laugh will be dearly missed.

Bobby was a 1959 graduate of Bryan Station High School, where he played basketball and served as vice president of his class. Known among his classmates as an exceptional dancer-earning the nickname "Citywide"-Bobby was often invited to local sock hops to get the party started. Bobby married Lynda ("Happy") Leet in 1960, when they were both teenagers.

Bob began studies at the University of Kentucky but soon found his calling in the trades, earning his plumber and steamfitter's license. For nearly a decade, he worked for Honeywell and Johnson Controls, including in new buildings spanning campus at the University of Kentucky. Bobby was a member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 452.

In 1969, Bobby and Happy founded a bridge deck repair company known today as Delong Concrete, LLC. For the last 56 years, Bobby worked tirelessly to restore bridges in seventeen states and in almost every county in Kentucky. Bobby served as a mentor and a friend to many in Kentucky's highway industries. Perhaps most appreciative of Bobby's guidance is his grandson, Daniel, who operates the family bridge repair business today. Bobby's legacy of bridgework is grounded in grit, integrity, and extraordinary ingenuity.

While running a successful small business, Bobby and Happy moved their young family of two daughters, Dana and Leah, to their farm in Lexington. Bobby, a devotee of horse racing, and Happy, a lover of horses, started what would become Lail Farm-a proud Kentucky thoroughbred operation that bred, raised, and raced horses across the United States. Since 1977, Bobby and Happy have cared for hundreds of animals at their farm.

Bobby's faith in God was the steady undercurrent of his life-unwavering, humble, and sure. His quiet confidence in his spirituality brought peace to those he loved and reflected the grace of a man who truly walked with God.

Though he was proud of his work, Bobby was most proud of his family. He cherished Sunday family dinners at the farm, where "Paw-Paw Bobby" joined in antics with his great grandchildren and told witty stories of the good old days. He always saved room for dessert.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 65 years, Happy Lail. He is also survived by his daughters Dana L. Lail and Leah Lail (Matt); grandson Alex Holland (Andrea); grandson Daniel Holland (Lexy); great grandchildren, Austin and Vivian Holland; and many other family members, friends, and loved ones.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life at Spindletop Hall on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 1:00–5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the Lail family asks friends to donate funds to Paws 4 the Cause in Lexington, Kentucky.