Randy Thomas Gaines

Randy Gaines, Lover of BBQ, women, whisky, and all things American, dreamed big and never lost sight of moving upward and onward in life. Sadly his time has been cut short on this Earth, as he unexpectedly passed away at the age of 41 on April 5th, 2022. Randy was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back even if that left him without one. He cared deeply about those he loved, both family and friends. He was an amazing Father to Reanna and cherished their time together. He was so proud of the young lady she was becoming each and every day. When he’d share stories about her, his face would glow with happiness and pride. And Randy always had great stories that would get embellished with a few cocktails. Shyness wasn’t in his DNA. Randy was an avid cook and would take over the kitchen adding his own sense of style to whatever he cooked. He would dance around the kitchen listening to classic rock, 2000s jams, or good ole country. He often spoke in a hilarious Scottish accent. He and Reanna would poke fun at each other all the time. They got silly together, serious together, laughed and cried together. It’s through his strength that she flourishes now and will continue to live the life her Dad would always want for her. Finding out he had juvenile diabetes at age 8, he knew it would be a rough road ahead, but he looked at that road as a challenge and never shied away from announcing he would simply get a pancreas transplant and that would fix that. He lived his entire life overcoming challenges associated with his health and death of loved ones in the family including both sets of Grandparents, his Aunt Sandy, and his dear Mother Sherry, who was also his best friend. In the Summer of 2020, Randy had his biggest challenge yet. He finally got his wish for both a pancreas and kidney transplant. The pancreas wasn’t a success and he accepted that with fortitude and grace. “I have been a diabetic since I was 8 and I know how to live with it so I’m ok to continue with that.” The kidney worked well and we saw him come alive again after years of declining health. Even Covid didn’t put a wrench into his plan to enjoy what was ahead. He had many things to do, plans to make, friends to see! Randy often told his loved ones how important it was to give back as well and everybody knew his plan to be an organ donor. That was his biggest wish in life and was granted in his death. Just as he came into the world almost a Christmas baby, he left the world a better place and gave hope to a few unknown people when hope was all but lost. He is now reunited with his daughter Jaydn, his Mother Sherry, his best canine friend Rock, and the many others we’ve lost throughout the years who loved him deeply. Randy is survived by his loving family including Daughter Reanna, his Dad Steve (Marge) Gaines, Half-Sisters Kelly (David) Thomas and Kate (Logan) McCabe, Half-Brother Sheldon Rock, and his Aunt Sue Batten (Cousin Stephanie), Uncle John (Gayle) Ladwig (Cousins Hayley and Justin) and Cousin Sarah Vincenzi. He had many friends who have been Brothers, Sisters, and Mothers to him including Mike “Big Poppa” (Tammi) Perkins, Lenny (Cassy) Johnson, and Mike’s Mom, Mary Perkins. He had a very special friendship with Reanna’s Mom, Stephanie, too. The list is long for those who have been touched by Randy. Remembering him is easy, forgetting him will be impossible. There will not be a funeral, but rather a celebration of his life in May. Details will be on social media and word of mouth. In the meantime, there are many ways to honor Randy and keep his memory alive. Pour a Crown and Coke to share with a friend, cook a delicious meal with a loved one, or simply do an act of kindness for someone down on their luck. Cheers to Randy and the life he lived.