Gaines Mason, Jr.
January 10, 1940 - October 15, 2021
Spartanburg, South Carolina - Gaines Harrell Mason, Jr., 81, departed this earth for his heavenly home on Friday, October 15, 2021. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 20; 11:00 AM at Morningside Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. John Bryan and Reverend Steven Owensby. Burial will be in Bamberg, South Carolina.
Gaines was born January 10, 1940 to Gaines Harrell Mason, Sr. and Martha Bernice Padgett Mason in Bennettsville, SC while his father was pastor of the Welsh Neck Baptist Church in Society Hill, SC.
Gaines attended high school in Ridgeland, SC and graduated from Swansea High School in Lexington County. In 1962, he graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC.
Gaines was an outstanding athlete who played all high school sports. His talents were recognized when his teammates voted him "most valuable player" his senior year. He enjoyed running track and playing baseball for Furman University. In 1960, he led the Southern Conference in stolen bases! Years later he would serve on Furman University's Board of Trustees. During his student years at Furman he was active in numerous student organizations, including president of the senior class and vice president of the student body.
Professionally, he started his career with First National Bank of South Carolina, where he worked in the Bamberg branch. There were moves to Columbia, Charleston and later, to Hartsville. In 1985, Gaines joined First Citizens Bank as the city executive in Spartanburg. He retired in 2003.
Gaines' Christian faith was evidenced in his service to his fellowman and to his community. His loyalty and devotion to his friends and family were unsurpassed. It was his joy and privilege to promote Spartanburg and to help make this community a wonderful place to live. The Urban League of the Upstate honored him in 2003 as Humanitarian of the Year. He was the recipient of the 1997 Morgan Award from United Way of the Piedmont. Gaines served on numerous boards including Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Spartanburg Residential Development Corp., Consensus Housing Committee, Downtown Rotary Club, Spartanburg Little Theatre. Gaines also enjoyed memberships in the Carolina Country Club and The Piedmont Club. He was a member of Morningside Baptist Church.
Predeceasing him in death were his parents and his wife, Jane Walter Mason. He is survived by his cherished companion and kindred spirit, Angie Wallace; his sisters: Mary Elizabeth Brown of Athens, Ga; Kathleen Mason Bryan (Bill) of Cleveland, Ga.; his nieces: Celia Layman (Travis) of Harrisonburg, VA; Nancy Huiet (Frederick) of Daniel Island, SC; his nephew: Mason Bryan (Renee) of Macon, GA and several cousins.
The family expresses grateful appreciation to his wonderful caregivers: Emily Monroe and Victoria Teamer.
In remembrance of Gaines, the family asks that you perform an act of kindness for someone in need. Memorials may be made to Morningside Baptist Church, 897 S. Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or to the charity of one's choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.JMDunbar.com
Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Oct. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gaines Mason

24 Entries

Larry Goff

October 27, 2021

Gaines was the finest, most Christian guy I've ever known. And enthusiastic/positive - his picture should be in the dictionary beside "enthusiastic"! Gaines' family lived in my little town, growing up, Swansea, SC. I knew his youngest sister, Kay, well, but Gaines was older than me. I got the chance to know him better in Spartanburg, and am all the richer for that. My condolences to his Family, we have lost a great person.

Bea Bruce

October 20, 2021

Gaines was kindness personified, a true gentleman. He was a good friend to and golf partner of my husband
during his life. Gaines will surely be missed by a wide group of people in Spartanburg.

Toby W. Goodlett

October 20, 2021

Mr. Mason gave me a real break in banking. He was one of the most supportive and encouraging leaders that I have ever known. There are words and phrases I use today that I attribute to Mr. Mason. It was a honor to know and work with him. RIP Mr. Mason...you made everyday brighter for all of us. My deepest sympathy to the Mason family.

Mark and Bobbi Strickland

October 20, 2021

Gaines enjoyed the game of football and he spent many Friday nights motivating the LHS Bruin Football players. The end around was his favorite play. He was truly an inspiration and the world was and is a better place because of Gaines.

Robin & Jerry Calvert

October 19, 2021

Gaines was a wonderful man & always brightened a room when he spoke. His dedication to Spartanburg goes without notice. We are thankful to have known Gaines and be his friend. Our sincere condolences to your family.

george garbade

October 19, 2021

Gaines Harrell was truly a class act - wonderful person and a friend to all. Have known him from our days at Ridgeland, SC. He comes from an outstanding family and will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.

CHINNES DIANNE

October 19, 2021

I knew Gaines when he worked in Columbia and Hartsville. He was a dedicated hardworking banker and a Christian community leader wherever he lived.

My thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with his family and friends.

Carolyn MacIntosh

October 18, 2021

My sympathy to the family. Rejoicing however in life well lived and that he is now in heaven. Gaines and I have known each other for all my years in banking in Spartanburg. That is a long time! I had the privilege to call him both a friend and a client. In the most recent past, he would always introduce me as "my banker" which was a great compliment. Peace be with you a good a faithful servant.

Sharon Dillon

October 18, 2021

Gaines was one of the kindest people I ever met. He and my dad, Bob Dillon, went to Furman together. I always enjoyed hearing their stories of the good times they had. Thinking about his loved ones during this difficult time.

John Nichols

October 18, 2021

I worked with Gaines for several years when he was in Hartsville with First National Bank. He was truly an inspirational leader, a mentor and Christian gentlemen/businessman. After moving to Hartsville, he immediately became active in many local community groups, leading the United Way Campaign as Chairman and was one of the early organizers of the YMCA in Hartsville. He continued his community service efforts in Spartanburg and everywhere he went. Gaines was one of those people "who never met a stranger", and he always communicated with positive comments no matter the situation. Everyone should have the opportunity to know someone like him at some point during their life......I am thankful that I did. He was a beacon for the Christian way of life ! My condolences to the family.

The Staff of J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory

October 19, 2021

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

Theresa Bowles

October 18, 2021

I met Gaines in 1996 while banking at 1st Citizens. He was always out and about greeting his customers. We realized we were neighborshim on Ivy, me on Rutledge. When I first moved here I was a divorced mom with my 6 y/o son. He would see me throwing softballs to my son in our front yard. He always waved, said hello, and said “Good Mom, keep it up”. Over the years I saw him walking every day and he always waved. I will never forget his kindness. God has a new Angel.

Aaron & Bette Small

October 18, 2021

Sorry for your loss. We remember Gaines so well.

Fred and Harriet Huiet

October 17, 2021

Gaines was the perfect southern gentleman and was admired by all who met him.

Lori Bastin

October 17, 2021

Angie,

I am so sorry for the loss of one of the kindest people I ever met. Gaines will be missed. Prayers for you and his family.

Lori

Terry Phillips

October 17, 2021

I worked with Gaines at First Citizens several years. He pushed us hard to be involved in the community. A kind and caring man!

Jerry Broome

October 17, 2021

We had the privilege of being Gaines neighbors the past 4 years. What a wonderful, caring, encouraging spirit! We’ll miss the front porch talks, waiving, and watching Mr Mason on his almost daily walks. My favorite stories were Furman baseball, his daddy’s sermons, and sharing many banking stories. Gaines loved my little family, and we’ll never forget Mr Mason.

Jerry Broome
Pam, Maggie, and little Callie

Rocky Pollard

October 17, 2021

Mr. Mason was a kind and generous man and he always had a way making life better for everyone. He will certainly be missed.

Paul & Sue Lansberry

October 17, 2021

We will miss Gaines in the neighborhood and talking about the Paladins. Rest in peace faithful servant.

Marie Lipscomb

October 16, 2021

Mr mason was one of the finest friends you could have . He was so kind and cared for all of his customers. He lived for the lord . He was more than my personal banker . He was a friend like no other .

Stephanie, Wade, Zeb, and Wren

October 16, 2021

What a blessing to have enjoyed so many years with you as our wonderful neighbor. Greeting us always with a smile and a hearty hello, surprising us with special surprises at holidays, and even spoiling our cats. We miss you already.....

Kim Kearns

October 16, 2021

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Gaines. Such a Southern gentleman and an amazing example of pure goodness and graciousness for all. Great memories of times spent together, especially Christmas past reading “The Gift of the Magi” and other Christmas stories. He touched so many lives. We will definitely be doing acts of kindness for others in his memory. Until we meet in our heavenly home again. My prayers go out to all. Love, Kim Fairey Kearns

Ted Richardson

October 16, 2021

Gaines was a friend. Fond memories playing golf with him.

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