John S Gaines Jr.

John Strauther Gaines, Jr. age 81, of Rome, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024. John was born in Rome on February 25, 1943, the son of the late John Strauther Gaines, Sr. and the late Margaret Wallace Gaines.

John was raised attending South Broad United Methodist Church. He graduated Darlington School in 1961 and attended Shorter College and Berry College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from General Electric in 1983 where he worked as a Senior Draftsman and Factory Representative. John then became Vice President of Design Concrete in 1983 before becoming a Project Engineer for the Rocky Mountain Hydro-Electrical Project in 1991. He later owned and operated Coosa Valley Signs as well as Commercial Construction Services of GeorgIa, Inc.

John was a proud member of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers, Fraternal Order of Police, Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, Yaarab Shrine Temple, and Oostanaula Lodge #113.

John enjoyed his Wednesday lunches with family and friends and watching his grandson play football. One of the highlights of his later years was volunteering at the Rome Community Kitchen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Poplin Gaines.

He is survived by his children, Phillip Gaines (Tammy) and Tracy Gaines; his grandson, Aidan Gaines (Caitlin); his brother, Tommy Gaines (Jane).

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11:00 am in the family plot of East View Cemetery. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully request donations be made to Rome Community Kitchen http://www.rocoki.org in John’s memory.

Daniel’s Funeral Home has charge of John’s arrangements.