Paul Edward Gaines, 66, of Umatilla, FL passed away June 14th 2023. He was born May 5th, 1957 in Potter County, Austin, Pennsylvania, the son of Pauline Gaines and Joseph Smith Sr.
Paul graduated from Coudersport High School. He married his roller-skating sweetheart Susan L. Gaines. They celebrated 43 years of marriage in April of this year. When asked how long he had been married, he would always tell you the years, days, hours and minutes he had been married to Susan.
Paul was a life member of the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department and a volunteer of both the Richburg and Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department(s) and served as an EMT with Richburg. Paul was very proud of his time as a volunteer fire fighter and if you knew him, he always had a fire department story to share.
Paul loved visiting with his nephew Eric and his wife Danielle in Savannah, Georgia and was equally filled with joy when they would surprise him with a visit to Umatilla to see him. Paul could meet a stranger and by the end of the conversation had made a friend. He had a kind heart and would, many of times, go without to help another in need. He loved watching sports and did radio broadcasting for the Coudersport School basketball team along with Ed Easton and Paul Heimel. Paul enjoyed spending time with friends and time with his only son Gordon, his daughter-in-law Priscilla and his three grandchildren MaKenna, Loucetta and Landon Gaines.
In addition to his parents Pauline and Joseph, Paul was preceded in death by his grandparents Gordon the first and Edna Gaines; brother William (Bill) Smith, son Gordon Reed Gaines III and sister-in-law Carrie Smith. He is survived by his wife Susan L. Gaines, daughter-in-law Priscilla Gaines and his three grandchildren: MaKenna, Loucetta and Landon Gaines; his brothers: Rodney Smith of Bolivar, NY and Joseph Smith Jr. of Allegany, NY; five sisters: Christine Bennett of Wellsville, NY, Marsha Taylor, Edna Rice and Sarah Smith all of Belmont, NY, Victoria (Brain) Root of Bolivar; brother-in-law Tom Button; nephew Eric Button and wife Danielle and daughters Gabriella, Myiah and Paisley of Savannah, GA; sister-in-law Chris Dubois of Arkport, NY; and many more aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends he counted as family.
Paul will be missed by many and made an impact on all the lives he came in contact with.
Vick Root will be hosting a memorial service August 6th at noon in Richburg, NY at the clubhouse for both Paul and his son Gordon.
