Daniel Franklin Gaines

Daniel “Danny” Franklin Gaines, 70 of Farmville, VA passed away on March 23, 2025. He was born in Farmville to the late Elwood and Nellie Padgett Gaines on May 5, 1954.

He is survived by his life partner Shirley Lawrence, his children; Tamara Lynn Gaines of Vacaville, CA., Samuel Elwood Gaines of Prospect, VA, sister Dale G. Hicks (Richard), of Farmville, VA, brother James “Jimmy” E. Gaines of Phenix, VA Brother Michael W. Gaines (Christy) of Rice, VA sister Deborah G. Harris (Roy) of Concord, one grandchild Astra Lynn Finchum of Roanoke, VA , many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, a precious Aunt Ruby Gaines of Lynchburg, VA who loved him as her own. Special friends Christopher Neal of Kinston NC and Will Green of Rice, VA along with extended family that made his life complete.

We celebrate the life of Danny, proud Sgt in the Marine Corp for four years, a Sgt in the U.S. Army for four years as a Helicopter Missles System Repairer during the Viet Nam era and remaining to work for the government for almost twelve years in California.

After moving back to Rice, VA to be near his family, his last employment before retiring was with Twin Lakes State Park as a Maintenance Ranger. He took great pride in making the park as special as his yard, "the Ponderosa" as he called it, planting and raising beautiful flowers and garden which he shared with everyone. He loved to fish and rabbit hunt And talented in "calling the dogs". Music was his thing and if you got lucky you could hear him playing his harmonica or singing a George Jone's song with his brother, Jimmy.

He loved to fabricate and make something old into something new, did all kinds of engine repairs and loved to work with wood, building whatever.

Danny had a big heart, if he had it, you needed, it was yours and he kept a pretty good inventory of unique tools no-one could find.

He lived life to the fullest, his way, a little rough around the edges, but generous with his heart. We miss you already.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 1:00PM in the chapel of Puckett Funeral Home A Celebration of

Life will follow at 2:00PM. Interment will be private. Puckett Funeral Home is serving the

family.