Gary Wayne Gaines, Sr. 64, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on Dec. 1, 1948, at the family home place on Swauger Valley Road, to the late Oliver and Dorothy (Newman) Gaines. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Ginger (Aldridge) Gaines.

Gary was a loving and wonderful father of his three children, Gary Wayne, Jr. (Amy) Gaines of Minford, Jeff (Jana) Gaines of Columbus and Jamie (Bill) Neely of Minford. The absolute joy of his life was his grandchildren, Ethan, Tyler and Casey Gaines, Alexandra, Danielle and Preston Gaines, Austin Daniels and Gabriel Neely. Gary is also survived by his brother, Edward A. Gaines and sisters Violet (Don) Wheeler, Thelma Winston and Donna (Freddie) Phipps, two brothers-in-law, Mike (Theda) Aldridge, Keith Stewart, sister-in-law, Linda (Don) Schuster, and a very special mother-in-law, Gladys “Granny” Stewart, and many nieces and nephews and a loving and supportive family.

Gary was also preceded in death by his brothers, Bill and Charles Gaines, and sisters, Esther Rodriquez and Dorothy Marie Gaines.

Gary retired from Southern Ohio Correctional Facility as a correctional officer. Gary has a passion for sports, coaching for several years. He loved watching his children and grandchildren play and always his Minford Falcons. Gary’s sense of humor and the ability to tell stories will always be remembered.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, 1 p.m. at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford with his close friend Pastor Jack Lore officiating. Burial will be in Harrison-Furnace Cemetery near Minford. Friends may call at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Gary’s name to SOMC Hospice 2201 25th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.