Gaines Beauchamp Stanley Sr.

Gaines was born in Tahoka, Texas, and grew up in the Texas farmland of the panhandle area. Gaines is survived by his wife Jean, and their four children and spouses; Gaines, Jr. and Vickie, Mike and Lourdes, Judy and Alan, Tim and Lee; 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren.

He was a marine in WW2 stationed in various Southern California marine base locations. In 1945 he met Vera Jean Spurlock while leading singing at a gospel meeting being held in La Habra, CA. They were married June 9, 1945 in Fullerton, CA.

He graduated with honors (Suma Cum Laude) from Abilene Christian University, Abilene Texas in 1950, and later earned a master’s degree from Carolina University of Theology.

Prior to graduation from ACU he was on preaching assignments in surrounding churches in the Abilene area. After graduation he began preaching in Texas towns that included Woodson, Shamrock, Wellington, Olton and San Antonio. He preached for 2 years in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Throughout his life he was engaged in continuing education programs that focused on hospital ministry and marriage and family counseling.

In 1981 Gaines and Jean relocated to Orange county California and shortly afterward began his final ministry at the Central Church of Christ on Ball Road in Anaheim. He served as minister and elder providing guidance and mentoring to the local members for the last 30 years as he did throughout his life.

In addition to his ministry, he began working with the Southern California School of Evangelism training others for the ministry. He specialized in the books of Luke and Acts, the Pentateuch, the prophets and wisdom literature. As a member of the National Christian Counselors Association he was an active teacher of ministerial counseling.

After a life of service in the ministry he was honored with the dedication of the Gaines B. Stanley Sr. Theological Reading Room in the Brown Library Building at Abilene Christian University in 2006. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his honor to: G.B. Stanley Library Endowment , Abilene Christian University Library, c/o ACU PO Box 29208 Abilene, TX 79699.

Gaines was loved by all and will be remembered by his positive attitude and humble spirit.