Family, friends remember Heflin council member as dedicated public servant

Sept. 19--Heflin City Councilman Jerry Gaines is being remembered by family and colleagues as a loving father, a "conscientious" public servant and a man whose opinion was valued in his community. Gaines died Wednesday at his home after a bout with multiple illnesses, family members said. He was 72.

Funeral services will be Saturday in Heflin.

The Cleburne County native was serving his third term as councilman. He loved politics, not for the political intrigue, but because it allowed him to meet people, said his family. He also ran unsuccessfully for County Commission and Circuit Clerk, his son, Matthew Gaines, said.

Mayor Rudy Rooks, who was serving his first term as mayor with Gaines, said he looked to the seasoned councilman for guidance.

"He really had the city's best interest at heart," Rooks said. "He was conscientious about the needs of his constituents."

His fellow council members agreed.

Former City Councilman Johnny Heard, who served with Gaines through 2012, said he met Gaines through his real estate dealings and got to know him better after Gaines was elected to the council. He said the two often talked after meetings and had similar interests in improving the city's recreational facilities.

During their tenures together on the council, the city purchased the Armory, improved the Community Arts Center and brought in new equipment to the facilities, he said. Heard said he thinks of Gaines as a friend and will remember him as a kind, generous person.

"I valued his opinion, and I think he valued mine," Heard said.

Gaines worked for Moore Business Forms for a number of years and then sold insurance for Liberty National Insurance. In the 1980s he went to work for his brother, David Gaines, at the family logging business. He worked there until he retired.

His wife, Peggy Gaines, said the two were high school sweethearts at Cleburne County High School. Married in 1961, the two would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary later this month, she said. They lived 50 years in their house in Heflin and raised two children, LeAnn Robinson and Matthew Gaines.

Robinson said her dad was a wonderful father.

"He could be hard at times, but he was good," Robinson said as tears ran down her face. "He was loving."

His family meant everything to him, said Councilman Travis Crowe. Crowe was two years behind Gaines in school and met him through his younger brother Billy Gaines.

"Jerry was (an) honest, humble person," Crowe said. "He'd do anything in the world for you."

People liked Gaines because of his sense of humor, Crowe said.

Rooks said Gaines could turn around even the most tense situations with a joke and a smile.

"You never did see him rattled," Rooks said. "He maintained his sense of humor."

Baillie Gaines, one of Gaines five grandchildren said she'll always remember her grandfather for his kisses on her cheeks and for holding hands.

"He was definitely a hand-holder," she said with a smile. "Not many people know that."

A visitation is scheduled today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dryden Funeral Home. The funeral is scheduled Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Heflin First United Methodist Church.

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