Obituaries » Governor Perry “Bud” Gaines

Governor Perry “Bud” Gaines

July 16, 2021

Governor Perry “Bud” Gaines, of Forest, Va., peacefully transitioned to heaven on Friday, July 16, 2021, following many years of winning the battle with various illnesses. Truly a warrior, and facing multiple challenges, Bud recognized, and was grateful always for the grace and power of God. When he faced his last challenge, God realized he was tired and welcomed him home.

Bud completed a tour of duty in the United States Military, and later retired as a valued employee of GE/ Ericsson following many years of service. Distinguished as a gentle giant, with an equally gentle, loving personality and a tremendous sense of humor, Bud was loved and admired by all. Everyone who met and knew him, loved him. He adored his family, his church family, his circle of friends, and his extended family of children whom he embraced in his home and life. Known for his warm personality, he was quickly embraced by all who met him, and especially the many children in his life.

At the end of a full and valued life, God smiled from His Golden Throne and welcomed Bud home. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert Henry and Ruby Scott Gaines. Bud leaves treasured memories to a special circle of friends and family that includes his loving wife of sixty years, Miriam Thomas Gaines; a devoted son, David P. Gaines (Myscha); an adopted son, Samuel G. Brown; one sister, Imogene Gaines Johnson, (Richard); six grandchildren, David Jr. (Kayla), Savion, Corbyn, Wesley, Dakota and Aquelle; four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

During his extended illnesses, Bud was warmly cared for by a myriad of exceptional care givers. Special appreciation is extended to the Fresenius Dialysis Center, Centra Health physicians, nurses and staff, Seven Hills Home Health Service, Savion Gaines, and his many nieces and nephews who devoted much time and travel to assist with his care.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 2 p.m., at which time all guests will be required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in memory of Governor P. Gaines to the Gamma Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, INC.  Scholarship Program – P. O. Box 2392 Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.

 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 2 p.m., at which time all guests will be required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in memory of Governor P. Gaines to the Gamma Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, INC.  Scholarship Program - P. O. Box 2392 Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Condolences & Tributes

Celebrate Governor Perry “Bud”'s life with a short message, photo or video!

Miriam&Family: I was sorry here of the passing of your husband Governor. Even though I did not have the pleasure of meeting him, I discerned that he was a righteous man. Please accept my condolences. May God grant you and your family the strength to continue his legacy. Classmate 1961- Fred Reynolds

Posted by Frederick Reynolds on July 28, 2021

Miriam, I am sorry to hear of Bud's passing. Bud was a kind gentleman with a positive attitude. He will be missed, but you were an excellent care giver. I know it wasn't easy and at times very stressful. So for someone who has walked in your shoes, their are no regrets because you did everything that you could do to take care of Bud. Sending condolences, prayers and lots of hugs. Rowena Robinson

Posted by Rowena Robinson on July 23, 2021

Miriam, I am sorry to hear of Bud's passing. Bud was a kind gentleman with a positive attitude. He will be missed, but you were an excellent care giver. I know it wasn't easy and at times very stressful. So for someone who has walked in your shoes, their are no regrets because you did everything that you could do to take care of Bud. Sending condolences, prayers and lots of hugs. Rowena Robinson

Posted by Rowena Robinson on July 23, 2021

Miriam, I am sorry to hear of Bud's passing. Bud was a kind gentleman with a positive attitude. He will be missed, but you were an excellent care giver. I know it wasn't easy and at times very stressful. So for someone who has walked in your shoes, their are no regrets because you did everything that you could do to take care of Bud. Sending condolences, prayers and lots of hugs. Rowena Robinson

Posted by Rowena Robinson on July 23, 2021

Miriam, our prayers goes out to you and your family during this time of your loss. We pray God's continued peace, comfort and love will surround you as He holds you in His arms. We are sorry that we will not be able to be with you on Saturday due to the passing of one of my former members that I have to eulogize at the same time. We will be praying for your strength because we know that God will not leave you alone. Reverends Ernest & Sherleen Scott

Posted by Sherleen Scott on July 23, 2021

Ronnie and I are going to miss Bud tremendously. Bud was such a sweet and loving person. His quiet smile will be missed. I know he is now hanging out with Jesus. Love ❤️

Posted by Debbie on July 23, 2021

This is such a tremendous loss for all who knew Governor. We will always carry him in our heart and thoughts Toni, Tomiko’s, and Tanya Thompson (Willis Hemming’s Nieces)

Posted by Toni Nanette Thompson on July 23, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Matthew chapter 5 verse 4.

Posted by Theresa Thornton on July 22, 2021

My deepest sympathy to my dear friend, Lorraine Coleman, and her wonderful "Aunt Boo." My heart goes out to your family during this time. Please know that you are all in my prayers and that I am here if I can be of any assistance to you. I know God will be with you during this time of bereavement.

Posted by Cynthia Dockery on July 22, 2021

To Miriam and Family, Thinking of you with Prayers and Blessings. May God's Love bring Peace and Comfort. Margaret Giles Lee, Dunbar Class of 1961 Hampton, VA

Posted by Margaret Giles Lee on July 22, 2021

Sorry For your Loss, "The Heavenly Father Always Answer Prayer, And He Knows Just How Much We Can Bear". William &Linda Thornton

Posted by Linda Thornton on July 22, 2021

To The Family We sent you our deepest condolences. Bud was always a kind man and a gentleman. I worked with him many years at GE/ Ericsson. He will be missed by many. May God comfort you and your family in your hours of grief. Rev. Howard E. Bolden Jr.

Posted by Rev. Howard and Marie Bolden on July 21, 2021

Miriam and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Bud. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Skip and Yolanda

Posted by Houston Haskins on July 21, 2021

Miriam and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bud. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Carolyn debernard

Posted by Carolyn debernard on July 21, 2021

Bud was quiet but always funny....he sat beside me at GE is how I learned this - his wife was my Mother's Supervisor - both great people - God knows best and it was time for Bud to go to him.

Posted by Kay D Holt on July 21, 2021

Because we know God loves you BEST Mr. Bud...our hearts are comforted and our tears will be of joy.

Posted by Alan & Bev Cook on July 21, 2021

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