Gary Alan Gaines

1949 - 2022

LUBBOCK Gary Alan Gaines, 73, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 at Wilshire on 4th Memory Care.

Gary was born May 4, 1949, to Derwood Gaines and Dorothy (Craig) Gaines in Midland, Texas. He was raised in Crane Texas and graduated from there in 1967. Gary excelled in football, basketball, and baseball in his early years through high school.

Gary Gaines and Sharon Hicks were married June 27, 1970 in Crane, Texas. They were married for 52 years. They are parents of two children, Bradley Gaines and Nicole (Gaines) Strader.

Gary attended college at Angelo State University on a full football scholarship. He played for Angelo State from 1967 through 1971, and received the Nathan's Award as "most valuable football player". He graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1971. Gary earned his Master's degree from Sul Ross University in Administration.

In 1971, Gary began his coaching career as an assistant football coach at high schools in Ft. Stockton and Monahans. His first head coaching job began in Petersburg, and then Denver City before moving to Permian High School in Odessa, Texas, as an assistant coach. He subsequently became the head coach at Amarillo Tascosa, Monahans High School and Permian.

In 1989, Gary led the undefeated Permian Panthers to their fifth Texas 5A State Championship with a 16-0 season and the Panthers were, also, named ESPN's National Champions. His successful program was immortalized in the book and movie "Friday Night Lights."

Following the state championship season at Permian, Gary joined Texas Tech University football staff as an assistant coach to Spike Dykes. After four seasons at Tech, he returned to coaching high school football at Abilene High and San Angelo Central. Gary led Abilene Christian University as head coach for five years. In 2002, they won the Lone Star Conference South Division Co-Championship. Following his time at ACU, he spent two years as the Athletic Director of Ector County ISD in Odessa, and another two as the Athletic Director of Lubbock ISD. In 2009, he returned to Permian and after leading the Panthers to a District win, he retired in 2013. Students loved and respected him. He encouraged students not only in all sports, but in band, choir, orchestra, and other extracurricular activities. Leading by example, he taught respect, the importance of hard work, teamwork, among other qualities.

Gary had much success during his 40-year career but most importantly, he lived an exemplary Christian life, while impacting many students and fellow coaches. He loved his athletes, but he loved all students. He was loved and respected by them. Gary encouraged his players and others by leading by example, teaching values, such as teamwork and respect. He was known for his strong work ethic, humility, kindness to others, dedication, and integrity.

Gary was a member of Texas High School Coaches Association and was on the board from 1978-1981. He was also elected President-elect of THSCA in 1989, but was unable to fulfill his duties, because he went to Texas Tech.

Following his retirement, Gary was named into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2013. In 2019, he received the Legend Award inducting him into the Angelo State University Hall of Honor.

In 2015, Gary was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

Gary loved his family and was always so proud of them. He honored Sharon as a loving husband and was committed to the covenant of marriage. He was a loving father and grandfather because of his deep faith in God. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Hicks Gaines; his son, Bradley; his daughter, Nicole (Glen) Strader; daughter-in-law Debbie Gaines; five grandchildren, Ainsley Gaines, and Avery, Bailey Parker, and Jude Strader; and two sisters Dana (Gene) Howland and Tamra (Jim) Reidhead. He was preceded in death by his parents in 2011.

The Gaines's family would like to thank family and friends for their unfailing love and support, and the staff at Wilshire on 4th and Brookdale Monterey for their steadfast care and love provided Gary during this time.

Donations to Gary Gaines Alzheimer's Foundation may be sent to 4901 S Loop 289, PO Box 64366, Lubbock, TX 79424.

A Celebration of Life honoring Gary will be held on Saturday, September 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Crossroads Fellowship Church, 6901 E Highway 191, Odessa, TX.