Billy Ray Gaines, 76, of Baxter Springs, died Thursday, February 2, 2023 at his home, the same home he was brought to when he was born, July 11, 1947. He was the son of William Roy Gaines, and Mary Lucille Deskins. They preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother Jerry Gaines, sister Mary Berry, sister-in-law Alice Gaines, nephew Alan Gaines and niece Elizabeth Lynch.
Bill was a graduate of Riverton High School with the class of 1965. He was a member of the first graduating class from Missouri Southern State University in 1969, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Bill and Connie Gaines were married September 10, 1965.
Bill’s career included owning two meat markets in Miami, Okla. and Fairland, Okla. He then owned the K-12 Meat Market on Highway 166. Bill became a sixth grade teacher at Riverton Middle School until his retirement. Bill was the golf coach at Riverton, where he started the program.
Though Bill had Type 1 diabetes for 65 years, he always had a positive attitude and a fighting spirit. He was an avid golfer and later in life, even participated in several amputee golf tournaments, placing first place in his age group. Bill has been the Garden Township Treasurer for many years and an active member at the First Christian Church. There, he held many positions, including Elder, Board Chair, Property Chair, Treasurer and was beloved by all children and workers at the Little Lites Daycare, where he was known as Mr. Bill. He was also widely renowned as the go-to-guy and always knew who to get a hold of, for any problem.
Bill would do absolutely anything for his grandchildren, and often retrieved forgotten things and took them to school and after school pie at Weston’s was a regular day. He also took each granddaughter on their own backto- school shopping trip and rarely said no. Babysitting Kaiya in the last year brought him some of his greatest joy and she loved her Papaw.
Bill is survived by his wife Connie Gaines; brother David Gaines; brother-in-law Tom Berry; son John Gaines (wife Tina); and daughter Diana Sly. Grandchildren, Samantha Beck (husband Joshua), Jennifer Gaines (husband Rogelio Garcia), Hailey Sly, Victoria Sly; greatgranddaughter Kaiya Sly; nieces and nephews Marcia Murry, Dustin Gaines, Debbie Gibbs, Tom Berry, Shawn Pierce and Eric Gaines also survive.
The funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church in Baxter Springs, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 7. Flowers are welcome, or donations can be made to the First Christian Church Praise Team. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.