Leroy Gaines, Jr., 70, of Hingham, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice after a short battle with aggressive, metastatic lung cancer.
Leroy was born on April 6, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA, to Leroy and Cornelia (Via) Gaines. Leroy’s work experience was a source of many achievements. In his younger years, he worked as a lighting technician for KTLA Los Angeles. In that position, he was able to meet celebrities such as Dinah Shore, Soupy Sales, and Dionne Warwick. After a motorcycle accident, he was forced to change careers. He proudly worked for General Dynamics / Hughes Missile Systems for over 20 years as a Defense Floor Manager, where he was recognized for “extraordinary personal contribution” to the Stinger-RMP Deployment Activities during Operation Desert Shield. Leroy then changed career direction by obtaining a travel agent’s license and eventually worked for Lunar Travel. It was in this position that he was introduced to BNI, Business Network International, and ultimately grew his career in an array of management and training roles. BNI afforded Leroy the opportunity to travel extensively and meet many people throughout the organization of whom many call him “friend”. Towards the end of his career, Leroy became an Executive Director in the BNI Chicago SW Suburbs, which was one of Leroy’s most fulfilling BNI accomplishments.
Through BNI, Leroy also met his wife Pamela (Sohre) Wittneben-Gaines. They eventually married on August 25, 2012, and shared their years together laughing, dancing, traveling, working, and simply enjoying each other’s company daily. Leroy set a wonderful example to the family on how to be a strong leader and a humble servant at the same time.
Leroy was previously a Distinguished Toastmaster, a member of several travel organizations, and in recent years a deacon of his church. He enjoyed travel, jazz music, fine dining, dancing, gardening, cooking, brandy and smooth cigars. Time with friends and family was always cherished. His grandchildren were dear to him, and he always had a hearty hug and smile for each of them!
Leroy is survived by his wife, Pamela Wittneben-Gaines; daughter from previous marriage, Patreece Fitzpatrick of Ontario, CA; five step-children, Cassandra (Nathanael) Ongna of Gibbsville, Elena (Thomas) Ross of Madison, Raymond (Cara) Wittneben V of Oostburg, Jacob (Summer) Wittneben of Oostburg, Ethan Wittneben of Oostburg; three grandchildren, Rylee Ongna, Jesse Ongna, Aubree Ongna; step-brother, Michael (Eunice) Sohre; two step-sisters, Melissa (Sherman) Scheidt, Danielle (Richard) Welcher; father-in-law, Daniel (Shirley) Sohre; aunts Pauline Moore and Christine McAlister, and many other beloved family and friends.
Leroy was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Dale Gaines; parents, Leroy Sr. & Cornelia Gaines; an infant son, Raheen; and his mother-in-law, Marcia (Heinen) Sohre.
A memorial service to celebrate Leroy’s life will be held at the Hingham Church on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 12:00 pm with Pastor Ken Moberg officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm. A livestream to the service will also be available at 12:00 pm by joining the livestream group at www.facebook.com/groups/
Memorial contributions can be made in his name either online by going to paypal.me/LeroysMemorial , or mailed to The Gaines Family, PO Box 304, Hingham, WI 53031 (please enter “Leroy’s Memorial” in memo section)
For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com.
The Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Gaines family with arrangements.
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