Stuart Williams Gaines Jr.

Stuart Williams Gaines Jr., 74, born January 20, 1949, left our world to be with Jesus on April 20, 2023. He is preceded in death by his father Stuart Williams Gaines Sr., mother Bebe Adams Gaines, sister Bonnie Gaines McWhite, brother-in-law James McWhite, brother-in-law William Thomas Gaskell Jr., and granddaughter Reagan Caroline Morton Sproull.

He is survived and deeply loved by his wife of 49 years, Gail Gaskell Gaines whom he affectionately called “Sweetie”, their five children, Drayton Allison Sproull (Terri-Ann Brogan) of Merritt Island, FL; James Creswell Sproull V (Vanessa) of Boise, ID; Laura Gail Gaines, Barbara Gaines Kenyon, and Stuart Andrew Gaines; and their six grandchildren, Lucie Sproull, Jackson Sproull, Emma Sproull, Rivers Kenyon, Shields Kenyon, Camper Sproull; his siblings, Barbara Sanders (Mac), Mark Gaines (Patti), and many nieces, nephews, adopted family members and friends. Stuart will be missed by his beloved four-legged companions, Gabbie, Max, Sophie, Baby, Trampoline, and Banjo.

Stuart grew up in Homewood, Alabama where he created endless memories in his neighborhood of Edgewood, attending Edgewood Elementary, Homewood Junior High and Shades Valley High School. Many of his favorite memories were made at his family’s’ lake house on Lake Martin. He also hosted and performed in the legendary “Concert for Edgewood” there with numerous close friends. Growing up the son of an Auburn football player, there was no question where he would go to college, and he graduated Auburn University in 1971.

He married the love of his life, Gail, on August 18, 1973. With Christ at the center of their marriage and family, they established an inviting and loving home for all. It was one of his greatest joys to share his unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus, while hosting family and friends at celebrations of all kinds over the years. Stuart worked at Nowlin and Associates as a financial planner for 35 years where he built lifelong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. He loved vacationing with family and spending time outdoors golfing and hunting.

Stuart was a self-taught musician and enjoyed playing the piano, guitar, and harmonica. He loved playing for family and friends, but, even on the average day, he created his own party if there was a piano in the room. He was a devoted fan of Auburn athletics. His blood truly ran orange and blue as he attended 59 consecutive Iron Bowls from the age of 12 to 71. And in true legacy form, creating a story for the ages, Stuart took his final breaths as he listened to his family sing the Auburn fight song to him. War Eagle!

A celebration of life service will be held at the Chapel of Church of the Highlands on Grants Mill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35210 on Friday, April 28th, 2023. Visitation at 1:00 pm, Service at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.