Bobby Harold Lane, age 73, of Flintville, TN (formerly of Cookeville), passed away on March 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, laughter, and an unwavering love for his family. Born on April 4, 1952, to the late Elmus Burl and Mildred Lee Price Lane, Bobby grew into a man who defined himself by how well he cared for others.
For 36 years, Bobby was a pillar of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. He didn’t just enforce the law; he built relationships across Putnam and Jackson Counties. Known for his high standards and professional excellence, Bobby had a unique gift for making people feel seen and cared for, even from the other side of a badge. To know Bobby was to know his laugh; it was contagious, boisterous, and could be heard from across any room. While he was famous for his constant smile, he was equally respected for the firm convictions he held when pushed.
On May 19, 1972, Bobby married his soulmate, Carolyn. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family, moving from the Smyrna Church of Christ to the Meridianville Church of Christ over the years. When he wasn’t in uniform or with his grandkids, Bobby found his peace in the stillness of the woods, enjoying the quiet patience of hunting.
Bobby’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of almost 54 years, Carolyn; daughter Leslie Ann Lane (Kevin) Kimbrough; siblings Sandi Jernigan, Phyllis Moore, and Tim Lane; and his beloved grandchildren: Briana (Tristan) Hope, Trey (Eliza) Kimbrough, Serenity Kimbrough, Koda Kimbrough, Jake Kimbrough, Iris Kimbrough, and Zeke Kimbrough, as well as his great-granddaughter, Mattie Kimbrough. He joins his parents and his grandson, Elisha Kimbrough, in eternal rest.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a graveside service at 11 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Brotherton Cemetery, Cookeville, TN, with Bro. James Rogers officiating.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Bobby Harold Lane.
15 Comments To "Bobby Harold Lane"
#1 Comment By Dustin Whitefield On March 17, 2026 @ 1:38 pm
Known him all my life growing up in the sheriffs dept and working with him for a few we will miss him and his laughter rip ol friend
#2 Comment By Bryan Cook On March 17, 2026 @ 3:05 pm
What a blessing it was to know Bobby, and to have served with him at the sheriffs department. Bobby was always fair, and he was respected. He had a big heart, and a contagious personality, with a big smile! We will see you again my brother!
#3 Comment By Melissa Nelson On March 17, 2026 @ 6:58 pm
We loved when Bobby served as the security at springstreet market, he brought us joyfulness and laughter. He will be dearly missed.
#4 Comment By Melanie Hammons On March 17, 2026 @ 8:01 pm
He was such a good man, always so kind.
#5 Comment By John Brooks On March 17, 2026 @ 8:32 pm
Bobby was one of a kind. When we went into a market and went to pay, he would always look at the workers name tag and say, your name is ____ now what’s mine. He genuinely cared for people and brought out the best in everyone. I’m so happy I was blessed to know him and his family. He helped to make me the person I am today. Our prayers are with you Suzy, Leslie and family.
#6 Comment By Jennifer Davis On March 18, 2026 @ 6:38 am
Bobby was a great man. Gary looked up to him. Prayers for the family!
#7 Comment By Angela Gulley On March 18, 2026 @ 6:38 am
BOBBY was fine man who loved his family immensely. Good God fearing, loving man. Always helping people, always brought a smile to our face, and always made us laugh. He had such a BIG personality.
Carol & Leslie, you and the grandchildren were his whole heart. He bragged on his family quite often.
I’m so sorry for your loss and this has sadden my heart, but on the bright side, he’s not suffering anymore and rejoice for where he is, with our Jesus! 🙌
I’m lifting your family up in prayers for strength & comfort thru this difficult time. I wish I could be there for his service, but I moved back to Virginia in 2023 to take care of my mother. Plz contact me so we can chat. Love you guys so much. ..
#8 Comment By Elizabeth Herd walker On March 18, 2026 @ 8:32 am
I’m so sorry for the lost RIP bobby my husband Ralph Walker though a lot of him with him being a policeman and Ralph being a police officer they were always brothers God bless the family
#9 Comment By Gina McCrary Parker On March 18, 2026 @ 3:28 pm
I worked with Bobby at the sheriffs department. He was a kind who loved his wife dearly and his family. He will be missed. Carolyn you got to spend 32 more years with him than I did my Terry. Prayers for you and your family. Heaven just got another angel. Also my brother loved riding with him Gary Paul McCrary (Lil Buck). May you find comfort and peace with those who love you both.
#10 Comment By Patricia sutton On March 18, 2026 @ 9:17 pm
Prayers for the family knew bobby alots of years he will be miss
#11 Comment By Michael Stephens On March 18, 2026 @ 11:15 pm
The stories I could tell of working with Bobby and Tim for 15 years. Nothing but laughter and lessons on the professional side and personal. I learned to be a professional with 2 sides of laughter added in for humility. Bobby lived, God, Country and Family.
Thank you for inspiring and being a friend.
#12 Comment By Dr.Deborah J. Gentry On March 20, 2026 @ 12:57 pm
Prayers for comfort and healing and the peace that passes all understanding in your loss of such a fine man. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know Elmus, Tim and Bobby Lane, three of the best men to ever wear a badge and a uniform. In my personal life they were just great people to talk to, have a cup of coffee with, or to discuss whatever was going on in the world. Professionally when I needed someone to have my back as a CPS worker for the State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Service, I knew I would be safe, all parties would be treated with respect, which of course, was always the desired outcome. Bobby, Tim, and Elmus Lane served the people of this area with professionalism, and integrity. Their family, friends, all the people who loved them were blessed to be in their orbit. Fair Winds and Following Sails dear good man. You will never be forgotten.
#13 Comment By Vicky Holliman and Steve Holliman n On March 21, 2026 @ 6:12 am
I’ve known Bobby all of my life. My dad ( David Bowman) and Bobby worked together for a lot of years. Bobby Lane , you will be missed.
#14 Comment By Edith Phy Overby On March 22, 2026 @ 9:17 am
So sorry to hear of Bobby’s passing. I have known him all of my life. He was the first friend I ever had. His whole family including his Grandparents and Parents have always been like family.
Sending love and deepest sympathy to his family.
Edith Phy
#15 Comment By Sharlene Pharris Douglas On March 24, 2026 @ 5:58 pm
Carol so sorry to hear of Bobby passing.Prayers for you and the family.Stay strong until you meet again.