Albert Marion Gaines, Sr.

Albert Marion "Mutt" Gaines, Sr., 85, of 308 Pembroke Circle, Elberton, husband of 63 years to Dorothy Wade Gaines, passed away Sunday morning, March 18, 2012, at his residence. Mr. Gaines was born in Elbert County, January 24, 1927, to the late John William 'Carswell' Gaines, Sr. and Tallie Elvira Lee Gaines. He was a retired salesman from Fortsons, Inc. and the author of two books, Thru the Years of Elbert County Schools and The Wade Genealogy. He was a dedicated member of Elberton First Baptist Church where he served in various ways including Song Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Training Union Leader, Witnessing Leader, and Church Deacon. Mr. Gaines was a U.S. Army Veteran, and member of the Elbert County Historical Society, and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. In addition to his wife, he leaves to cherish his memories three children and their spouses, Lynn and Terry Sanders of Athens, Patricia and Danny Gaines of Elberton, and Albert Marion, Jr. and Chris Gaines of Norcross; grandchildren, Julie Gaines, Joy Gaines and Jeff Lloyd, Jan G. and Michael Heiser, Beth S. and Stephen Bryan, Catherine Sanders, and Lissa Gaines; 3 great-grandchildren and one on the way; sisters, Jackie Stratton and Gerri Bessinger; brother, Joe W. Gaines, all of Elberton. He is preceded in death by siblings, Carswell Gaines, Jr., Mamie Shumate, Rosa Partain, Fannie Teasley, Eula Herring, and Pauline Skelton. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 11AM Tuesday, March 20, in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Raymond Scott and Mr. Richie Eckler officiating. Burial will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery with Dr. Joe Campbell, Dr. Dan McAvoy, Ronnie Brown, Ed Shive, Tom List, and Robert Whitworth serving as pallbearers. The Gaines family is at the residence and will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-7PM Monday evening. Expressions of sympathy may be flowers or donations to the Organ Fund at the Elberton First Baptist Church, 132 Heard Street, Elberton, Georgia 30635 and condolences may be sent to the family at www.berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory, Elberton, is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Albert Marion "Mutt" Gaines, Sr.