He was an award-winning journalist who became an iconic television figure in Southwestern Virginia. Now, many are paying tribute to Mark Spain, who has died at the age of 64 after a bout with cancer.
Spain was a longtime anchor at WSET-13, the ABC affiliate in Roanoke-Lynchburg owned by Sinclair Inc.
He passed away on Wednesday from pancreatic cancer.
“His smile and positivity were known to his family, our team here at WSET, and the thousands across Lynchburg and beyond who welcomed Mark into their homes each night on TV,” the station said in an announcement. “When he first addressed the community regarding his cancer diagnosis in early December, he echoed that familiar sunny outlook despite the heavy situation.”
His wife, Lynita Spain, commented, “Our family along with the city of Lynchburg lost a man of hope, someone who loves his city and stood for equality, treating others with respect and kindness. He was a husband, father, brother, friend and a positive light in the community. My first true love. He brought so much joy, compassion, love and strength into our lives, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.”
Spain majored in Communications at Cleveland State University and worked multiple jobs in the journalism industry, including in Fort Wayne, Ind.; Erie, Pa.; Indianapolis and Cleveland. In 2000, he headed to Florida and worked as an anchor in Jacksonville for 14 years at “First Coast News” — TEGNA’s WTLV-12 and WJXX-25.
