William Howard Gaines

As the night came to a close, the Lord, in His divine manner, called the soul of Mr. William Howard Gaines from his earthly residence in Hartwell, Georgia, to his eternal Heavenly home.

Mr. Willian Howard Gaines entered his earthly home in the humble beauty of Elbert County, GA. At an early age, he became a member of Flat Rock C.M.E. Church. Due to his family relocating to the Sardis community, he later became a member of Sardis Baptist Church. Today, 85 years later we celebrate the remarkable life of Mr. Howard, a man who truly graced this world from February 20, 1939, until December 11, 2024.

Mr. Howard, as he is known to all, was a man of many hats, spending his life in Hartwell, Ga. with a heart bigger than the world. Howard was a devoted dad and friend to many. Over the years his home was a home for over 48 foster children, whom he treated as gracious as he did each of his own.

Mr. Howard retired as a self-employed, owner and operator of Hart Greenhouse’s. This reminds us all of the beautiful Poinsettias he would have grown by this time each year. During Chritsmas time, he would graciously give a Poinsettia to all educators that were blessed with one of his children or grandchildren in their class. Also, he would decorate the church and his home with poinsettias. 

Mr. Howard was a champion of truth and what came up came out. He did not mind speaking his mind and telling it like it was. He instilled within his children there’s no difference in color and everyone should be treated equally.

Mr. Gaines was preceded in death by his wife: Gwendolyn Rucker Gaines, Mother; Willie Frances Craft, Sons; Clinton Broderick, Milton Howard, and William Latrell Gaines; Daughters; Satira Gaines Leverette, Jennifer Marie Gaines, Crystal Lester, Granddaughter: Leekira Gaines, Grandson; Ronnie L. Leverette Jr., Great-grandson; Myli’Rendrick Campbell, Siblings; Cleo Craft Jr., Ben Henry Craft, Eugene Craft and Herman Craft.

Mr. Gaines leaves to cherish his memories, Children; Pamela (Max) Brooks, Patrice (Lamont) Heard, Karen Gaines, Kimberly (Joshua) Simpson, Latoya Gaines, Dwayne Craft, and Johnny Bowman. Siblings; Eugenia (Joel) Gaines, Horaceton (Barbara) Gaines, Joe Bruce Craft, Aaron (Jean) Craft, James C. (Ophelia) Craft, Donnie Craft, Danny Craft, Roxie (Donald) Sturgeon, Lola Mae Gilliard, Mary Sue Sturghill, Norma Rose Strange, and Bessie Harrell, son in law: Ron Leverette, 25 Grandchildren, 65 great-grands, 1 great - great grandson, A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends that he held very dear to his heart.

Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 12:00 - 5:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Hartwell Chapel. 

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 2:00pm, located at Sardis Baptist Church - Hartwell, GA. 

Interment service will immediately follow the funeral service located at Sardis Baptist Church - Hartwell, GA. 

We ask that you keep the Gaines family in your thoughts and prayers.

You may send condolences, sign the online register, send flowers, or light a memory candle in his honor as a source of comfort to the family.

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