George Gaines

George Gaines was born on February 19th, 1928 in Fairfax, Alabama to the late Rev. Solomon and Eula Gaines. He was the youngest of twelve children who have all preceded him in death.

He accepted Christ as his savior at an early age.  His family relocated from Fairfax, Alabama to Massachusetts when he was nine years old and he grew up in Boston and attended Boston Public schools.

In 1949 George married Mary Crudup and from this union they had five lovely children. Mary preceded him in death on February 3rd, 2004. They were married 55 years.  George was blessed to find love again with Barbara Johnson until the time of his death.

George worked at the Hingham Shipyard as welder in 1945 and served in the US Coast Guard.  After leaving the Shipyard, he worked in the Foundry Factor for seven years.

George also worked as a Merchant Marine for over 26 years and traveled around the world. He retired from that job when he was 55 years old. Although his job involved a lot of traveling, he came home as often as possible to be with his family which was the love of his life. George was an excellent provider and took great pride in knowing that his family never went lacking for anything. During his time as a seaman, George learned many skills that allowed him to do most of the repairs on his home and rooming house.  After retiring from Merchant Marines George did landscaping and managed his rooming house until he was 75 years old.

George was a faithful and dedicated member of Grant AME Church for 35 years until his death. He sung with the Senior, Mass & Male choirs for over 33 years. At the age of 86 George join the 100 Male Choir founded by Concord Baptist Church in Milton, MA.  He was the oldest member in that choir and George loved to sing God praises and had a beautiful voice. At the time of his death, George was still singing and traveling with Grant AME Church Male Choir. He was very proud of the fact that the Male Choir had received several awards for the best Male Choir in Massachusetts from Berkeley School of Music.

George lived his life to the fullest and was very active and exercised daily. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and was a well-loved man who dispensed wisdom, love and the knowledge of Jesus to everyone who would listen.  He was well known for praying for his family at least twice a day. He will truly be missed to all who knew him. One of his favorite quotes was “Absence from the body presence with the Lord”.

To cherish his memory George leaves:  his son, George R. Gaines, devoted daughters: Shelia Grant, (Thomas), Rene’ Gaines and Robyn Gaines and his son Keith E. Gaines (who preceded him in death). Two (2) brothers in-laws Edwin Bell (Sheila) and James Brown, Grandchildren, Taihisha Salaam Grant, Mattie P. Gaines Grant Finch (Will), Robert G. Grant (Amity), Keith S. Gaines Jr, Keitora Gaines, Garry D. Gaines, Jarred R. Gaines, Duron J. Gaines, Damon J. Gaines and Te’on J. Gaines. Nine great grandchildren, favorite niece and prayer partner Carrie Jefferson, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, grand nephews, grand nieces and extended family and friends also his longtime friends in life Robert Gordon and John Taylor, affectionately known as the 3 Amigos.

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