Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
GAINES, Robert W. – Of Flint, age 90, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Hospice House of Shiawassee County.
Funeral services will be held at 11am Monday, June 5, 2017 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint with Dr. Steve Anthony officiating. Visitation will take place 5-8pm Thursday and 2-8pm Saturday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Crestwood Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of the Marine Corps League Flint Detachment #155 Honor Guard.
Robert was born in Baxter County, Arkansas on November 17, 1926 to the late Oscar and Mae (Thompson) Gaines. He married Etheleen (Wise) on May 7, 1949 in Piggott, Arkansas. Proudly serving in the U.S. Army in both World War II and the Korean War, Robert was forever grateful for the certification he received in the trade of watchmaking through the GI Bill. He opened his first jewelry store in Gideon, Missouri before moving to Flint in 1955 to work for the Hirsch jewelry store chain. In 1963, Robert opened Gaines Jewelry which is still in operation today and was voted “Best Jewelry Store in Genesee County” for three years in a row. From very humble beginnings, Robert truly lived the American Dream and often reminded others that “only in America” could such dreams be realized.
Robert enjoyed his Christian faith, a good day’s work, golf, and time spent with his family. He is survived by children Yasmin (Timothy) Gewirtz, David (Marisa) Gaines; grandchildren Elizabeth (Demetrios) Kyprianos, Fredrick (fiancé Courtney Mercado) Gewirtz, Selina and Wesley Gaines; great-grandson James Bellows; special friend, Leona Oliver; siblings Pauline Woods and Connie Gaines along with several loving nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by wife Etheleen, daughter Vickie, siblings Harry, Elbert, Ray, Gordon, and Norma.
Contributions may be made to Hospice House of Shiawassee County or Gideon’s International.
I Never pass the store or drive down Flushing Road without Thinking of My Old Friend Bob and Smiling!!
Chuck Leighton
May 23, 2022 | Friend
Our family sends condolences to the family of Bob Gaines.....My father was a friend of Mr. Gaines for years. Over the years we always did our shopping at Gaines. Thank you for the memories! The Family of William (Rocky) Green
Sue Davis
June 12, 2017 | Laingsburg, MI
To David and family,We send our condolences and prayers of peace and comfort at the lost of your father, We know he is In heaven and what better place to be then that.
Bob was my dining partner at Gideon function and I will miss him sorely,He was a very gentle Christian man who always had a smile and a little tidbit of humor and made me feel at home when I first joined the Gideons.May GOD rest his soul. GOD bless you and family...
Al & Yvonne Siegwald
June 06, 2017 | Fenton, MI
Mr Gaines will always be special to me. He was a friend of my father, Rev. Sodeman. Dad would stop in and see him often on Flushing Road. In fact, in 1963, my dad bought my graduation watch from him. My daughter's father-in-law, Dick Barres was also a good friend. Praise God Mr. Gaines
was a believer! Thoughts and prayers at this time to all, especially David.
Timothy Sodeman
June 06, 2017 | Flushing, MI
To David and the entire Gaines family we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father what a nice man and a inspirational businessman as well. He will be missed.
M/M Christopher S. Kelly Sr
June 05, 2017 | Flint Twp, MI
Our condolences to your family
James & Fay Wallace
June 05, 2017 | Flushing, MI
While I never had the pleasure of meeting Bob face to face, we had telephone conversations over the years. I am saddened that another Flint icon has passed. My sincere condolences to the family.
Steve Starking
June 05, 2017 | Lapeer, MI | Coworker
I met Mr. Gaines during the 1970's and watched this kind man grow his business with enthusiasm and integrity. Wishing his many friends, family, and employees comfort knowing the world is a better place for Bob having been in it.
Rick D'Aigle
June 05, 2017 | Linden, MI
My deepest condolences to your family during this time. Bob will be missed but never forgotten. We are all fortunate for having known him.
Nora Fisher
June 05, 2017 | Flint, MI