Riley Gaines

Riley Eugene Gaines, 84, of Hodges, husband of Deborah Hollingsworth Gaines, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Hospice of Laurens County.

Born on May 1, 1941 in Cateechee, SC, he was a son of the late James Carlton Gaines and Emma Lee Whitefield Gaines.

He proudly served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, where he completed six years of active-duty service. His commitment to his community continued through his active membership at Padgett Creek Baptist Church in Union, SC.

Riley was the classic "funny guy," always ready with a joke or playful remark. Although you could rarely catch him in the act, he loved to sing and dance. He also enjoyed taking trips to the mountains and cutting grass, always making sure his yard looked top notch. Above all, Riley's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband and father, but he held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He loved nothing more than playing with them and creating memories that they will carry forever.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, Angela McDade (Russell), Crystal Gaines (Tony Fallaw), and Debra Lynn Bridges (Jacob); sister, Doris Richardson; grandchildren, Amber Shaffner (Kenneth), Justin McDade (Nicole), Jeremy McDade, Tyler Fallaw (Mikela), Jordan Fallaw (Courtney), Erika Boswell (Chris), Emily Hammond (Trevor), and Rylen Bridges; fourteen great grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Rinehart and brothers, James Gaines, Harold Gaines, and Wayne Gaines.

Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Justin Arender officiating.

The family will receive friends before the service from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to especially thank nurses Mindy Brown and Carma Tylee, along with the rest of the staff at Hospice of Laurens for all of their love and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Laurens County at 1304 Springdale Drive, Clinton, SC 29325 (www.hospiceoflaurenscounty.org).