Mr. Jerry Lamar Gaines

Jerry Lamar Gaines, 86, passed away on April 7, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was a native of Royston, Georgia where he was born on August 21, 1936. Jerry was the eldest child of Lucius Jones Gaines and Celestia Harris Gaines. He graduated from Royston High School in 1954. Jerry attended North Georgia College and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1959 with a BS in Business. He returned to Royston and joined his father at the family business, Gaines Ace Hardware, where he was the owner and manager. Jerry then managed Royston Ace Hardware until his retirement in 2004. Following his retirement, he worked part-time at Pruitt Funeral Home. Jerry was a very active member in the community and was awarded the Outstanding Citizen Award. He was a city councilman and served as both mayor and mayor pro-tem. Jerry was the President of the Royston Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Housing Authority Board. He served as a volunteer fireman for many years and was one of the first EMT’s in Royston. Jerry served his country in both the Army and the Army Reserves. He was a lifelong member of Royston Baptist Church where he served for many years on the board of deacons and numerous church committees. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lucius and Celestia Gaines; and brother-in-law, Tribble Caldwell. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Zadie Pruitte Gaines; his four children, Joanna Gaines Hill (Bert) of Athens, Jesse Neal Gaines (Jennifer) of Lavonia, Kelly Jon Gaines Foster (Jim) of Macon, and Linton Harris Gaines (Connie) of Lavonia; eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren; his beloved sister, Jennie Gaines Caldwell of Greenville, SC; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held in the Royston Baptist Church at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, with Rev. Craig Bowman and Rev. Matt Law officiating. A private family interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Royston. The family will receive friends in the Royston Baptist Church Family Life Center from 10:00 a.m. until funeral hour on Monday morning. During other times the family will be at the home. Memorial donations may be given to Royston Baptist Church at 767 Church Street Royston, GA 30662. Jerry was a generous and kind man who had a great sense of humor. He loved his Lord and Savior, his family and his friends. He left this earth knowing he was loved, and he will forever be in our hearts. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Jerry Lamar Gaines

August 21, 1936 - April 7, 2023