Willie James "Bro." Gaines

Obituary For Willie James "Bro." Gaines

The funeral services for the late Mr. Willie James “Bro.” Gaines, who departed this life on Thursday, March 12, 2026, will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the Worth Community Center, 1310 N. Monroe Street, Sylvester, Georgia. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden in Sylvester, Georgia.

Deacon Willie James Gaines was born on December 22, 1945, to the late Willie C. Brown and the late Johnny and Fannie Lou Gaines.

Deacon Gaines was a devoted servant of God and faithful member of his church and his community. Deacon Gaines was a member of Greater St John Church, Poulan, GA and later moved his membership to Greater New Bethel Church, under the pastoral leadership of Pastor E. Terrell Carter. Willie served faithfully as a dedicated Deacon, always supporting his Pastor and advocating for his church.

In Willie’s younger years, he was a Dairy Worker and raised his family working at Halls Dairy Farm in Sylvester GA. His most recent Workmanship was his love for Carpentry. At 77 years of age, Willie was slinging a sledgehammer into walls of concrete and building porches, addition to homes, carports etc.

Willie was well known throughout the community for his love of the game of softball. For decades, he served as an softball coach and umpire, becoming a familiar and respected individual to many through the sport. His presence on the softball field created lasting friendships and meaningful connections.

Thursday March 12, 2026, Deacon Willie James Gaines peacefully departed this life at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Albany, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents Willie C. Brown, Johnnie Gaines, and Fannie Lou Gaines; his beloved wife of 42 years, Ethel Tolbert Gaines; his sisters Dorothy Lee, Margie, Victoria, Norsey Mae, Annie Lois, Betty Jean, Sandra, Elizabeth, and Vera; and his brothers David, William, John W., Charles, John, Gary, Willie, and Dedrick.

Bro. Gaines leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving children: Earl Gaines, Myeshea Gaines, Lorenzo (Mattie) Moore, Teresa (Latarshia) Oliver, Connie Wilson, Fredrick (Jackie) Chambers, Angela (Kelvin) Burnett, Keetha (Eddie) Spears, Greg Brown, and Calvin Davis; his 45 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Willie was lovingly known as “Daddy” and “Grandaddy” to many beyond his immediate family……Quinita Smith, Pamela Smith, Sheilan McGill, Sabrina Johnson, the late Chrisie Williams and so many more and for that we are grateful…….. His welcoming spirit and genuine love for people allowed him to embrace many as his very own. Willie is also survived by his brothers John Jr., Joe, Otis, and Thomas; and his sisters Corine (Claude) Evans, Ethelrine Watts, Josephine Gaines, Roxie Gaines, and Felecia Middlebrooks; his sisters-in-law Carolyn (Robert) Hill, Eula Best, Alice Jefferson, and Catheleen Owens; and his brothers-in-law Robert Tolbert, Rufus Tolbert, and Lacy Smith; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends who will forever cherish his memory.

With many recent memories his devoted and selfless caregivers stood faithfully beside him. Alongside his children, special care and support was provided by his grandsons Jamorris Gaines and Duryhe’ Turner, his niece and nephew Clayton and Marilyn Lewis, who stepped in without hesitation whenever and wherever they were needed.

Willie possessed a genuine heart and an infectious smile. His kindness, warmth, and love for people touched countless lives and will forever be embedded in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

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