Mr. Henry Cleveland Gaines, Jr. of 1011 South 10th Street, Cordele, Georgia died Thursday, October 12, 2023 at his residence.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your own mask.

Henry Cleve Gaines, Jr. was born April 16, 1950 in Cordele, Crisp County, Georgia.  He was born to the late Henry Cleve Gaines, Sr. and Susie Mae (Milton) Gaines.

Henry was introduced to Jesus Christ at an early.  He joined the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia and served as an usher.

He received his education from the public schools of Crisp County and graduated from A. S. Clark High School. Upon the completion of school, he relocated to Belle Glade, Florida was he was employed by the  Lakeshore Packing House and the Pioneer Grower Company in Belle Glade, Florida for many years.  He returned to Cordele and found employment with Williams Peanut Mill and Danny Melon Company until retiring.

With his bodacious smile and unique laughter, he  was  stylish and prided himself on being well groomed.  He was passionate about time spent with his children and other family members.  He also enjoyed watching  Westerns on television.

On Thursday, October 12, 2023 with the quickness of the wind, he was released from the cares of this life.  Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Kendrick Gaines.

His life will be cherished and remembered by his loving and devoted family:  his children, Michelle (Frederic) Smith of Cordele, Georgia, Minister Jason (Shalonda) Gaines of Hawkinsville, Georgia, Connie (Kevin) West of Cordele, Georgia, Chastity (Travis) Green of Vienna,  Georgia, Keisha Gaines of Cordele, Georgia, and Sonya Gaines of Atlanta, Georgia; 17 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; his beloved brother, Walter (Sara) Gaines of Cordele, Georgia; his sisters-in-law, Christine Gaines,   Lessie Gaines, Georgia Mae Gaines, and Emma K. Odom; his special nieces, Vivian Gaines, Belinda Horn, and  Cassandra Gaines; his nieces and nephews; many cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends, to include, Judge Gail Sims, Eric Walker, J. C. Daniels, Joseph Bell and Elijah Reese, Sr.