Wayne Gaines

Wayne Gaines, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away on Friday April 25, 2025 in Winston Salem. Wayne was born on Friday, July 3rd, 1942 in Siler City North Carolina to the late Carnell and Maxine Gaines.

Wayne grew up in Chatham County, North Carolina and was a 1961 graduate of Pittsboro High School. Following high school, he honorably served his country in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1965, a decision he made that began a life of love, devotion and solid commitment. After leaving the Air Force, Wayne began working at IBM in Durham and he met Dolores.  Wayne and Dolores married on April 1, 1967 (a running joke that they married on April Fools Day). They then moved to Winston Salem where he found a fulfilling career at Stroh Brewery, making many lifelong friends. Retirement came after 30 years and Wayne began his real passion…piddling.

Through 58 years of marriage Wayne and Dolores accomplished so many things including their 3 daughters and 5 beautiful grand children. Wayne often joked about the four women in his life that turned his hair gray!

Wayne was known for his vibrant personality and good humor. He never met a stranger and had the ability to strike up a conversation or to "gab" with anyone. He loved life and was solidly grounded in what mattered most to him—his family and friends. Wayne had a passion for fixing up antiques and spent many happy hours working in his garage on old cars and small engines, many of which were lawnmowers of his friends and neighbors. He loved his hobbies and was truly convinced that, "one man’s junk was another man’s treasure." His grandchildren even knew him to be the, “fixer," bringing him anything that needed his attention. However, more than the hobbies and his tinkering nature, he absolutely cherished the annual family trips to the beach, where laughter, love and chaos were always abundant. Those trips, with his daughters and his grandchildren, to he and Dolores's Oak Island vacation home will be remembered for generations.

Wayne is survived by his devoted wife, Dolores; his daughters, Angie Lambert and husband Andy of Lexington, NC, Lori Byrd and husband Steven of Raleigh, NC, and Amber Gaines of Raleigh, NC; his grandchildren, Ava Byrd, Camille Lambert, Jack Snyder, Henry Byrd and Tyler Lambert;  his sister, Ann Clark and husband Ricky of Siler City, NC; brother, Ronnie Gaines and wife Merle; sister-in-law, Betty Elkins of Siler City and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Elkins.

Family and friends are invited to honor Wayne’s life at a visitation to be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 4 pm to 6 pm at Davidson Funeral Home in Winson-Salem. A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at a later date.

Wayne will be remembered as a loving husband, a dedicated father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. His legacy of love, laughter, tinkering and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Samaritan’s Purse for recovery in Western NC. Donations may be made by visiting samaritanspurse.org and then scroll to select Hurricane Helene Relief.

Arrangements are being handled by Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Chapel, Winson-Salem.