Rodney Anthony Gaines

In Loving memory of Rodney Anthony Gaines Sr. ("RG")

Rodney Anthony Gaines Sr., affectionately known to family, friends, and many throughout the community as "RG," passed away on June 2, 2026, at his home in Norfolk, Virginia. He was 59 years old.

Rodney was born on April 29, 1967, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Shirley Gaines and Pervis James Robins. Raised in the historic Ninth Ward, he carried the spirit, culture, and pride of New Orleans with him throughout his life. No matter where life took him, New Orleans would always be home.

A proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, Class of 1985, Rodney was an accomplished musician who played the alto saxophone in the school band and proudly served as Drum Major. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. Over a distinguished twenty-year military career, Rodney rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6) before retiring honorably in 2005.

Following his military service, Rodney pursued a variety of entrepreneurial ventures, each proudly carrying the "RG" brand that had become synonymous with his personality, ambition, and love for connecting with others.

On February 26, 2017, Rodney was baptized at New Life Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, publicly professing his faith in Christ.

Rodney's greatest joy in life was his family. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved, whether traveling back home to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, making family trips to theme parks across the country, or simply creating memories together. As a father, he dedicated countless hours to coaching his sons in recreational soccer and proudly continued cheering them on as they advanced into competitive select soccer.

His passion for New Orleans extended far beyond his birthplace. He proudly celebrated the traditions, music, food, and culture of the city and dreamed of bringing the excitement and spirit of Mardi Gras to the Hampton Roads community. He was a devoted fan of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers, and few things brought him more joy than celebrating victories with family and friends.

Rodney was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Gaines; his father, Pervis James Robins; and the mother of his children, Sansaray Dussuau Gaines.

He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his sons, Jordon Dwayne Gaines and his wife, Abigail Clare Gaines, and Rodney Anthony Gaines Jr. and his wife, Michelle Lynn Gaines; his beloved grandchildren, Ruby Ray Gaines, Oliver Benjamin Gaines, Luka Anthony Gaines, Makenna Sue Gaines, and Rory Barrett Gaines; his brother, Pervis James Gaines; his brother-in-law, Johnnie Williams; his sisters-in-law, Chonel Williams, Eliska Dequair, Maylynn Dussuau-King, and Sheryl Bowie; his beloved godchildren, Cain Bassett III and Brent "BJ" Jeanmarie; his Parrain, Cain Bassett Jr.; his Nainain, Earline Lockhart; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, fellow veterans, and all who were blessed to know him.

Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate the life of Rodney "RG" Gaines on Friday, July 10, 2026. Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Parklawn Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Hampton Memorial Gardens. Following the burial, all are welcome to gather for a reception at 2:00 p.m. at Parklawn Funeral Home to share stories, laughter, and memories of the remarkable man so many knew and loved as "RG."

If you cant join us in person, please feel free to join us live on the Parklawn Wood Funeral Home webpage.

https://www.facebook.com/ParklawnWood/

Rodney will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his pride in his military service, his larger-than-life personality, his dedication to his New Orleans roots, and his ability to bring people together. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the love he shared so freely.