Joe Wethrol Gaines

Mr. Joe Wethrol Gaines, 87, of Hartwell Highway, Elberton, husband of 65 years to the late Shelby Jean Adams Gaines, finished his course in faith on Sunday, February 19, 2023. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, just as he wished.

Mr. Gaines was born in Elberton on March 31, 1935, the youngest of ten children of the late John William Carswell Gaines, Sr. and Tallie Elvira Lee Gaines. Growing up during the Great Depression, he quickly learned the meaning of hard work. Joe worked various jobs during his lifetime, but is most remembered as 40+ years as an auctioneer at Joe’s Auction Barn. Mr. Gaines upheld a reputation of honesty and was known for his compassion during estate sales. He was a member of Vans Creek Baptist Church and attended Concord United Methodist Church. Joe loved making cane syrup, farming, and his mules.

Survivors include his children: Ronnie Gaines of Dewy Rose, Mike and Betsy Gaines of Elberton, Jenny and Tommy Stripling of Holly, Michigan, and Tim and Amanda Gaines of Elberton; sister, Geraldyn Bessinger of Elberton; grandchildren: Brad Gaines, Corey and Carla Gaines, Justin Gaines, Caitlin Gaines and Jon DeClue, Tate and Meghann Gaines, Mason and Morgan Gaines, Walt Gaines, and Emma Suttles; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings: Carswell Gaines, Jr., Mamie Shumate, Rosa Partain, Fannie Teasley, Eula Herring, Pauline Skelton, Albert “Mutt” Gaines, and Jackie Stratton.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Friday, February 24, at 2:00p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with Rev. Bryan Smith. Interment will follow in Concord United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 23, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to Concord United Methodist Church, 2503 Harmony Road, 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. Joe Wethrol Gaines.