James McCray Gaines, Jr.

James McCray Gaines, Jr., 94, died peacefully on Sunday, May 22, 2022, in the Moultrie home he built himself, surrounded by family and holding the hand of his beautiful wife of 72 years, Wilma Baker Gaines.

Born on August 15, 1927, in Colquitt County to the late James McCray Gaines, Sr., and the late Vera Batts Gaines, “Junior” Gaines, as he was affectionately known, served in the U.S. Navy and then worked for four decades at Swift and Company. He also raised hogs for much of his life and spent many happy hours at the hog pen and fattening floor he designed himself. Mr. Gaines was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church where he held nearly every position besides pastor. Known for his love of the Bible and knowledge of scripture, Mr. Gaines will be missed for the wisdom and common sense he brought to situations great and small.

In addition to his wife, Junior Gaines is survived by his son, Stanley Gaines and wife Cindy of Social Circle, GA; two daughters, Jan Smith and husband Brad of Moultrie, and Julie Clark and husband Steve of Cairo; seven grandchildren, Faith Strickland and husband Joe, Christopher Gaines and wife Taylor, Jessica Edwards and husband Allen, Brandon Smith and wife Alexa, Dustin Harrell and wife Katie, Austin Harrell, and Garrett Harrell; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Dot Mims; a brother, Carroll Gaines; and half-siblings, Joann Stangel, Don Gaines, Ray Gaines, Gary Gaines, and Michael Gaines. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmom, Pearl Summerlin Gaines; brother, Tommy Gaines.

The family will hold a family graveside service at Cobb-Suncrest Memorial Gardens at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 27, with Allen Edwards officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Brandon Smith, Dustin Harrell, Austin Harrell, Garrett Harrell, Christopher Gaines, Allen Edwards, and Joe Strickland.

Donations can be made in Mr. Gaines’s memory to Colquitt Regional Hospice.