Ferenzo Gregory Gainey Jr.

Ferenzo Gregory Gainey, Jr. also known as “Renzie” and “Zo” was born to Ferenzo, Sr. and Deborah Sanford Gainey on June 10, 1974. He was the older of two sons and baptized as an infant receiving the sacraments of communion and confirmation at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Newport News, VA.

Ferenzo was educated in Newport News, VA and attended Dutrow Elementary, Magruder Middle and Ferguson High schools. In middle and high school, he was a member of the marching and concert bands playing the alto saxophone. He graduated an honor student from Ferguson High was enrolled in Hampton University in Hampton, VA to pursue the Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture.

Ferenzo was joined in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Tracy Donique Brown on January 30, 1999 to whom he had been happily married to for 19 years.

With a strong aptitude and keen interest in mechanical operations, Ferenzo was employed at Siemens Automotive, Newport News, VA, Gateway, Hampton, VA until the facility closed in 2003, John Deere, West Point, VA until the plant closed in 2004, Ford Motor Company, Norfolk, VA until the plant closed in 2007 and Amoco Refinery, Yorktown, VA until the refinery conversion to an oil terminal in 2010. When Ferenzo and Tracy relocated to Greensboro, NC in 2011, he began employment at Colonial Pipeline until his passing.

Ferenzo was a car enthusiast, especially classics, performance and European cars and was a member of the Gate City Triad Mustang Club and the AMG Boyz Car Club. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan from the age of 7 and adored his faithful dog companion, Bane.

Ferenzo had a captivating smile, a kind heart, and an infectious personality that drew people to him. He was polite, courteous, and respectful and always willing to lend a helping hand; he could be counted on if you ever needed anything.

Ferenzo leaves to cherish precious memories: wife Tracy and their dog, Bane of the home; Parents: Ferenzo, Sr. and Debbie Gainey, Brown Summit, NC; Father and Mother-In-Law: Alvin and Ernestine Brown, Hampton, VA; Brother: Fredrick Gainey; First Cousin/Sister: Patricia Harris, Hanceville, Alabama; Sister-in-Law: Kia Gainey; Nieces: Imani and Nyla Gainey, and Nephew: Kendrick Gainey, all of Summerfield, NC; Grandmother: Jannie Gainey, Newport News, VA; Godmother: Elizabeth Page, Hampton, VA; Paternal Uncles: Joseph Gainey, Pittsburgh, PA, Norman Gainey, Anderson, SC and James Gainey, Gloucester, VA; Paternal Aunts: Vestella Taylor, Newport News, VA, Renita Gainey, Pittsburgh, PA, Gloria Gainey, Anderson, SC, Leandra Gainey, Gloucester, VA; Maternal Uncles: James Sanford, Hampton, VA and Willie Ross, Jacksonville, FL; Maternal Aunts: Cheryl Sanford, Newport News, VA, Leslie Sanford, Hampton, VA, Geraldine Wright, Shaun Gist, Sonya Ross, Ronda Ross and Teresa Ross all of Jacksonville, FL. He also leaves behind three Great Uncles: William Gainey, David Green and Burlin Gainey; five Great Aunts: Celia Moore, Brenda Green, Thelma Gainey, Hattie Mae Pitts, Clady Hillman and Sarah Davis, all of Greensboro, NC and a host of cousins and friends. Ferenzo was preceded in death by: Paternal Grandfather: Joseph Gainey, Sr.; Maternal Grandparents: Fred and Inez Sanford; Godfather: Wray Herring; Paternal Aunts: Almeter Johnson, Ella Mae Johnson and Belinda Womble; Paternal Uncles: James Johnson, Anderson Moore, Herbert Gainey and Willie Green; Maternal Aunt: Carolyn Israel; Maternal Uncle: Kenneth Ross and host of other relatives and friends that he loved dearly.