Billy Gaines

It is with great sadness, yet peace of heart, that we announce the passing of Billy Worth Gaines, 75, of Athens. He ran the race with perseverance and finished well. Billy stepped through the gates of Heaven on Sunday, January 21, 2018, and will forever be in the presence of our loving Savior. He confessed hope in Christ at an early age joining with Freedman Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was born to the late Frank Gaines and Lucille Scruggs Gaines, and was a lifelong native of McMinn County. He served his country during the Vietnam War, and was a retiree of Olin Chemicals.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Betty Johnson, his cherished uncle, Oliver Johnson, who raised him as if he were his own, and his grandson, Zach Gaines.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian Morris Gaines, and his sons, Dennis Gaines (Patty), Deno Gaines, William Gaines (Katrina), and Lance Gaines; his granddaughters, Jordan Gaines, Nayla Gaines, Willow Gaines, Cierra Gaines, and Tayla Scruggs; his great-granddaughter, Andria Triplett; his uncle, Pastor Caggie Scruggs; his aunt, Virginia Wynn; and his wife’s siblings and their spouses, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends .

The family will receive friends at M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home & Cremation Service from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018, and a graveside service with military funeral honors  at McMinn Memorial Gardens at 2:00 p.m . with Pastor Caggie Scruggs officiating.