Fred Ray Gaines

Mr. Fred ‘Ray’ Gaines, 71, of Elberton, husband of 44 years to Sylvia Elaine Ivester Gaines, passed away on Thursday evening, February 9, 2023, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.

Ray was born in Elberton on August 30, 1951, son of the late Joe Fred Gaines and Fannie Ray Bowen Gaines. He grew up in the Rock Branch Community where he attended Rock Branch Baptist Church as a youth. A workaholic, Ray was a faithful employee of Turner Concrete Company for 25 years. He enjoyed old cars, especially his ’55 gold Chevrolet and watching NASCAR racing. If it could be taken apart and put back together, Ray was going to take it apart and put it back together! He suffered a stroke at the age of 42, but his determination and perseverance allowed him nearly thirty more years with his family.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Sylvia, of the residence, are his son, Michael Gaines of Elberton; brother, Bill Gaines of Elberton; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Along with his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his siblings: Vernon Gaines and Jackie Craft.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Monday morning, February 13, at 11 o’clock in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Revs. Tim Gaines and Don Nestor officiating. Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery.

The family is at the residence, 1074 Whiteside Drive, Elberton, and and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home from 10:00-10:45.am. on Monday prior to the service.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Beulah Pentecostal Holiness Church, 3370 Anderson Highway, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Fred ‘Ray’ Gaines.