Rayford (Ray) Lamar Gaines

Rayford (Ray) Lamar Gaines, 81, of Tallahassee, passed away on October 28, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, November 8, 2025, in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home with Reverend Julian Griner officiating.

He was born on June 19, 1944, in Doerun, Georgia, to his parents, James Gaines and Pearl Summerlin Gaines.

Ray was a resident of Tallahassee, Florida, for the past 40 years. He worked for Garrison Design and Construction as their lead superintendent for over 25 years.

He found joy in watching his grandsons grow into the wonderful young men they are today.

Ray was known as a loving father, grandfather, brother, husband, uncle, and friend to so many.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Louisa Stafford Gaines; brothers, Tommy Gaines, Carroll Gaines, and James Gaines Jr.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Gaines Gibson (Greg); two grandsons, Jonathan and Daniel Vann; and sisters, Joanne Stangel, Dot Mims; brothers: Gary Gaines (Dianne), Don Gaines (Barbara), and Michael Gaines (Barbara); sister in laws, Wilma Gaines and Carolyn Gaines.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home and Crematory.