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Oaklar Gaines Obituary
Born in Providence, RI, a son of Henry O. Gaines and the late Virginia G. (Watts) Gaines. He was the father of Dominique and Dorchina Gaines. He was the grandfather of Brandon O. Gaines, Chanel Gaines and De'Analyse McKinney. He was the brother of Priscilla R. Wallace, Claudette Pailin, Charlene Simmons, Henry Gaines, Jr., and the late Vincent and Virginia Lee Gaines.
A funeral service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. in Bell Funeral Home, 571 Broad St., Providence. Calling Hours Wednesday 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. www.bellfuneralhome.net
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Memories and Condolences
for Oaklar Gaines
Peter Wright
October 6, 2025
Oaklar was a good friend. Always kind and a pleasure to be around. I wish his family well. I wanted to let his sisters know that my thoughts are well them. Seems like it was only yesterday that I would see you all every day. Regards, Peter Wright
Peter Wright
March 3, 2025
Oaklar was a good friend of mine at Nathan Bishop Jr.High.A kind heart and soul.I think of him often.I also knew his sister's and remember them with kindness.I hope someone in this family with receive this memory of him with my best regards.Peter Wright
deana marsella
November 1, 2008
i miss you already buddy,i'll miss our talks when we both thought we were right because we were both pieces and loved the game of football and boy did we have fun with our sports.it will be hard but i will be rooted for the steelers.i also will miss are serious talks no one knew you like me yes you were a tough guy,but you also had a heart as big as them musles,and were the dad i never have i love you and hope your with my angel in the sky. Driving in them big machines you use to love so much. say hi,to ken for me love dee!
Walter Gibbs
October 28, 2008
I am so sorry for the loss of Oki, I was a friend of Henry Gaines. I have'nt seen Henry in over 45 years. May God Bless the Gaines family.
Tony Gomes
October 19, 2008
I extend my deepest sympathy to the Gaines family. Oakie and I attended high school together and played a lot of football together. We also shared wrestling during our time. I smile at the thoughts of the times we shared in life.
Donald J. Mauricio
October 18, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
lisa varin
October 14, 2008
susan,dominique and dorchina im so sorry to hear about oakie he was such a nice person and i know he will be deeply missed
Lysa Davis
October 14, 2008
Charlie Girl & Claudette,
I am sooooooo sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lysa & Ronnie Davis & Family
The Santos Family
Rochelle "Shelly" Johnson-Henderson
October 13, 2008
Family and Friends,
Oakie will always live in my heart as one of my dearest friend. A friend, big brother and protector to me in High School and at the East Side "Y" especially at the dances. He was a huge part of my early teenage years and I remember all of the good times fondly...like it was yesterday. Many of ours lives were made richer by knowing Oakie and the Gaines family. I feel blessed to have been able to share a few precious smiles and memories with him on my last visit to Providence. Like so many others I will truly miss and always treasure my friend Oakie...my love, prayers and condolences to the family.
Robert Iannitti
October 12, 2008
Susan and family.........Oakie will truley be missed! He was a friend and mentor to many.........god bless you during this difficult time
Clay "Butch" Horne III
October 11, 2008
Family & Friends... Oakie lives on in the hearts and minds of many. Each of us have been touch by our dear friend, and we hold precious memories of his larger than life soul. I'll miss my friend, but our friendship lives with me always.
"Peace of Mind - Sought by all, found by few. Make sure you're one of the few!"
carissa russo
October 10, 2008
Susan,dominique,Dorchina
I was sad to hear about the loss of oakie I will always remember him laughing and smiling when everyone came to visit lori and my dads house. My prayers are with you.
Kris Ranieri
October 9, 2008
Susan and Family, the world was such a better place with Oakie in it. In his short life, he has touched so many people in so many ways. It has been a privelage to have been a part of his life here on earth! I know Oakie is watching us, as he always has, and I will never forget that sparkly smile........love to all
Cynthia Ross-Meeks
October 8, 2008
Oakie was the greatest... a friend,a protector, so much fun especially when we asked him to sing!He was always there to help,listen and make you laugh just when you needed it. He was like a big brother to me on Howell street especially when I got picked on. Now here we are adults and I will always remember all the times he came to my aid and listened when nobody else would. He will always be loved and remembered as an important part of my life on the East Side. Love and prayers to all his family. We all loved OAKIE... Cindy Ross-Meeks
Stephanie Gaines
October 8, 2008
I will truly miss you Uncle Oakie. Take care of my dad. To Susan, Dominique, Dorchina you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have, Love you guys.
James Tomlin
October 8, 2008
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Okie was a good friend, he will be missed
ANDRE WILLIAMS
October 8, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dennis ORourke
October 8, 2008
To the gaines family my prayers are with you and your new found Angle. Oki you will be missed.
Valerie Wigginton
October 8, 2008
I am very sad to hear that Oakie is gone. He was one of my favorite cousins. We were at Hope High together along with Claudette, Charlene and Vinnie and many family gatherings. I will miss him especially his smile. God bless and comfort the Gaines family always.
David Jennings
October 8, 2008
To the Gaines Family
All of us grew up on Lippitt/Howell St. and their are many memories of a group of young kids who just knew we ruled that area. Oakie, Vincent,Skippy Blockson,Johnny and Glenn McCrea, Bro McCarter,myself and my brother Billy. What a time that was! Most have moved on, grow older or passed on. I haven't seen Oakie in over 30 yrs. but the memories will never diminish. It saddens me that this is the way i will get to see my friend but he and the Gaines family will always be in my heart. He Joins LeLe and Vincent as Angels that continue to watch over all of the Gaines families. Peace Be With You All.
ernie waddell, jr.
October 8, 2008
To the families of Oakie, so very sorry about your loss. I grew up with Oakie, had a lot of good times. He will be missed by quite a few friends.
Donna Huntley-Newby
October 8, 2008
To the Gaines Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I grew up on Lippitt Street and remember Oki as a childhood friend.
Lori Capraro
October 7, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Christopher Roy
October 7, 2008
I am Okies first cousin Chris Roy. He use to tell my brothers and my sister to stay out of trouble. I remember him as always being on the go. He will be missed.
Lori
October 7, 2008
Susan, Dominique, Dorchina, Master Brandon, Oaklar Gaines, Chanel, and De' Analyse
We are so sorry for your loss. Oakie we know your looking down and watching over your family. We will never forget you. Please remember this message OAK.
"Who let the dogs out!!!"
Rest in Peace
Lori, Ronnie, and Ronnie Jr.
Tom Menna
October 7, 2008
The world is a lesser place without my friend Oakie . He has been there for me in good times and in bad , he's been like my brother for the last twenty years and I will miss him dearly . God Bless you Oakie
Mary Parau
October 7, 2008
Sue, Dorchina and Dominique, I am so sorry to hear about Oki. He was an awsome guy, he will be missed terribly. His memory will live in your souls for the rest of your lives.
Mary Parau
Middleboro, Ma
richie
October 7, 2008
Oakie you are a friend of friends.You
will be missed and godspeed,my brother.Rest...
Stephanie and Steven Marsella
October 7, 2008
Auntie susan and Gaines family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you thorugh this hard time. Words cannot describe what a wonderful man uncle oakie was, We know he's looking down from heaven watching over the family,Auntie Susan we hope you know how much we all apprectiate what you did for uncle oakie You are an angel. He will be in our hearts forever and never forgotten. We love you and miss you uncle Oakie.
Wayne Hall
October 7, 2008
To the Gaines Family,
I would like to express my sincerest heartfelt condolances. A softspoken,
kind, caring and always fun-loving person, I had the privledge of growing up with on the East Side. Oki's smile and charm will never be forgotten. His prowess on the football field seemed small when compared to his prowess as a person. Oki, my friend, my brother, have a safe journey home.
Thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful to explain.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Gail Lincoln
October 7, 2008
To The Gaines Family,
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Lori
October 7, 2008
Oakie was like a brother to me. Susan and I were best friends for over 40 years. We were all inceperable. Oakie I will miss you dearly, you will always be in my heart and never forgotten. I have a lot of great memories.
Joyce L. Fontes
October 7, 2008
To the Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, and shocked. I lived on Howell St back in the good ole days with him and the rest of the gang that lived there and we had big time funn!!!!! He was a great person and gave us a lot of laughs and was good to my two sons, it was like a family living on Howell st. I have not seen him in a long time, but may he rest in peace and may god give you all the strength to move forward. He will be missed
Donna DiNobile-Cesario
October 7, 2008
Dear Sue, Dominique, Dorchina & Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Oki.
What a great, great man he was.
Either working for my brothers or seeing him around the neighborhood, or playing flag football with my husband Bryan, always smiling.
He was so proud of being a dad, & especially when I saw him about a month ago here at the shop, & bragging about his grandchildren.
Keep him in your hearts & his memory will stay alive forever.
He will be missed.
Bryan Cesario & Donna DiNobile-Cesario
Susan Spencer
October 7, 2008
I went to Hope High School back in the early 1970's-Oaklar was our much admired Football Star-I was just a hockey cheerleader, but we all adored him back then-I am so sorry-I never knew his family, but he was such a nice guy, so we all knew he would marry someone really nice in the end. Susan Spencer of Providence and Orlando, Florida
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