Winford A. Gaines

Winford Alexander Gaines was born January 7, 1918.He was the second son of Ora Adams Gaines and Ike Gaines.A graduate of Centerville High School, he received an associate degree from Young Harris College. Mr. Gaines passed away December 25, 2008. In 1939 he joined the Army Air Corps and was sent to Radio School at Scott Field.He received his “flying wings” and was commissioned as a second Lieutenant at Cadet School in San Antonio, Texas in 1942.Following that he was deployed overseas as a fighter pilot assigned to the 27th Fighter Group.He flew P-51 Mustangs during World War II.On August 2, 1943 he was shot down over Sicily and was a Prisoner of War in Germany until April 29, 1945.He was forced to participate in the “Death March” in January 1945.He survived the march and remained a POW until General Patton liberated them.Mr. Gaines was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, World War II Victory Medal, European Medal with four bronze stars, and American Defense Medal.After his release from prison he was commissioned as a Captain and was a test pilot for the US Air Force.He was honorably discharged from the military in 1947.After that he attended the University of Georgia and received a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture in 1948.He retired from USDA Soil Conservation Service after 35 years.Mr. Gaines married Tommie Taylor in 1947.They were married for 53 years.He was a loyal and lifelong member of Coldwater United Methodist Church and a beloved member of the entire Coldwater community. Mr. Gaines was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, his wife Tommie Taylor Gaines, and one grandson Bud Gaines McCall. He is survived by a son, Phillip Gaines of Arlington, VA; a daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Tom McCall; and grandchildren Al and Katie McCall.His extended family included Dick McCall, Clyde and Jean Adams, Rusty and Cindy Adams, Mark and Katy Adams, and special friends Doris Marett and Becky Smith. Mr. Gaines will be buried with full military honors onWednesday, December 31, 2008 The funeral service will be held at Coldwater United Methodist Church, at 2:00 p.m. with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Gaines will lie in state at the church one hour prior to service. Reverend Nancy Morgan, Reverend Benjamin Wills and Reverend Phillip Gaines officiating.The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6-8pm. Pallbearers are Dr. Arthur Lomant, Bobby Poole, Chris Smith, Derek Thomason, Mark McCall, and Wade Gaines. The family is at the home of Jane and Tom McCall in the Fortsonia Community. Hicks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Winford Alexander Gaines.