Willie Moses Gaines

Willie Moses Gaines was born on July 8, 1934, to the late Matthew Gaines and Lucy Fruga-Gaines of Bunkie, Louisiana. He departed this life on December 4, 2024, in Houston, Texas.

Willie joined Old Zion Baptist Church at an early age. He acquired his early education and graduated from Colored Carver High School in Bunkie, Louisiana. After graduation, Willie joined the U.S. Army, 3rd Armored Division, receiving an honorable discharge after serving overseas. Upon returning home, he attended LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and continued his education at Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, earning a Master's in Business. He later moved to Los Angeles, California, to work and retired from the University of California (UCLA) after 20 years of service.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents, Matthew Gaines and Lucy Fruga-Gaines; three brothers; three sisters; his wife; and his son. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughter, Amy Smith; two grandsons, Teshan Heggar and David Smith; one granddaughter, Treimashan “Muffin” Manning; and 11 great-grandchildren, all of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Acknowledgments

The family of Willie M. Gaines acknowledges with deep appreciation and thanks to Teshan Heggar and Tevion Bledsoe for their time and support in taking care of Willie.

We would also like to thank the nurses and staff at Bayou City Hospice for their professionalism, kind words, and thoughts throughout this process. We are grateful to all those who showed support and sent condolences during this time of grief.