Gaines Burchfield Slade

Gaines Burchfield Slade, 82, a longtime resident of Montgomery , AL and Pintlala, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, after an extended illness. Gaines was born March 24, 1941 in Magnolia, Alabama, to the late William Gaines Slade and Wilma Bly Pruitt Slade. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Martha Slade Smith. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ina Garrett Slade; his two sons, Gaines Burchfield Slade, Jr. (Jana), William Bowen Slade (Rachel). He was known as “Big G” to his granddaughter, Emerson Lee Slade. Gaines is also survived by his sisters, Judy Slade Walters and Onie Slade Nelson and brother Winfred Frank Slade as well as many other beloved family members .

Gaines graduated from Thomaston High School in 1959 in Thomaston, Alabama. He served his country in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962. Gaines loved people and was born a salesman. He began his sales career with Morton Shoe Company and worked his way up to a manager position. He later worked as a buyer for ladies’ and men’s clothes for Dillard’s. Gaines also sold for Houbigant Cosmetics. In 1981 Gaines purchased his first convenience store and gas station in Pintlala, Alabama. Subsequently, he opened similar businesses in Highland Home, Alabama, and a BP station and an Exxon Station in Hope Hull, Alabama. He expanded his stores to Emerald Mountain, Camp Hill, and Prattville, Alabama. He also built and operated car washes and laundromats in the tri-county area.

In the late 1990’s Gaines envisioned the growth of Montgomery into the southwest portion of the county. He purchased property at exit 164 of I-65 South from Alfa Corporation and went on to develop a portion of that property as Slade’s Plaza Boulevard. Companies which purchased property from Mr. Slade and opened businesses include Waffle House, Holiday Inn, Hardee’s, Motel 6, Quality Inn and Kelley’s Garage. Since that time, Exit 164 has experienced substantial growth and development.

In 2008, Gaines retired and enjoyed farming and interacting with friends and neighbors in the Pintlala community. His sense of humor and determined spirit will be missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life service for Gaines will be held on Tuesday, February 6 at Pintlala Baptist Church, 73 Federal Road, Hope Hull, Alabama 36043. Visitation will be at 1:00pm, followed by the service at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Pintlala Baptist Church, 73 Federal Road, Hope Hull, Alabama 36043 or to Davenport Church of Christ, 42 Highway 97 Davenport Highway, Highland Home, Alabama 36041.