Mr. Paul Ray Gaines, 73, of 138 Lanier St., Hartwell, died Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at Emory University Hospital.

Born on November 19, 1934 in Hart Co. GA, he was the son of the late Lester Gaines and Mamie Snow Gaines.He retired from Owens-Corning Fiberglass with 43 years of service in the Maintenance Department.He was on the Board of Directors and former chairman of Anderson Federal Credit Union, member of Capital Club of South Carolina and a member of the Board of Directors of C.F.I.He was a former little league coach and helped with the Hart Co. Recreation Department and a member of Team Squares of Danielsville GA.He was a member and past master of the Nancy Hart Masonic Lodge # 690, Fred E. Lee Chapter# 86 of the Roal Arch and a member of the Lake Hartwell Shrine Club.He was a member of the Milltown Baptist Church, former deacon and SS teacher.He attended the Hartwell First Baptist Church, member of the Fellowship SS Class, the F.C.S. and was a former SS teacher.He was a U. S. Army veteran.

Survivors include his wife: Bobbie McKern Gaines of the home; a son: Craig Paul Gaines and her wife April Lynn Gaines of Douglasville GA; two grandchildren: Whitney Gaines and Ashley Gaines; a brother: Frances Gaines of Anderson also survives.Mr. Gaines was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Louise G. Moore, Juanita G. Merck and Fredda G. Boles.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Dr. Steve Williams and Rev. Carter Tucker officiating.Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park with full Masonic Rites.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home ~ Hartwell Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night.The family is at the home.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First Baptist Church, 81 E. Howell St., Hartwell GA30643 or Gideons International, Hart County Camp, PO Box 59, Hartwell, GA30643.