In the summer of 1938, Jewell W. and Haraletta H. [Shaw] Gaines celebrated the birth of a son on the 29th day of July. They named their new son Ray Kenneth Gaines, but was better known as "Ray Boy." Born in Muskogee, he attended school in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, where he attended historic Lincoln High School, graduating with the Class of 1956.

He continued his education graduating from Connors State College, and also attended Northeastern State College and Bacon College as well.

Ray K. Gaines served his country honorably for over 20 years. He was a Vietnam War Veteran, serving in the United States Army as a Staff Seargent for two tours, earning two Bronze Stars with "V" device. He was a part of the Air Calvary from 1956 to 1982. He also worked for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for 10 years.

After being called into the ministry, his first Church was Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Tullahassee, Oklahoma in 1983. After 11 years, in 1993, he was called to Pastor Central Missionary Baptist Church in Muskogee, where he Pastored until his health failed. He encouraged the church to be active in the Progessive Creek District, where he served as Moderator at Large, the General Baptist Convention of Oklahoma, where he served as Bible Instructor, and the National Baptsit Convention of America, where he served on the Evangelical Board. Pastor Gaines delivered forceful sermons aimed at saving the lost. His last sermon preached was on February 9, 2020, "Everyone needs Compassion" ....... Matthew 9:35-38.

You may be wondering why I am in my pajamas and the reason is because "I am sleeping in the arms of God."

On Tuesday evening, May 12, 2020, The Reverend Dr. Ray K. Gaines, after "Four-score and One years" became absent from the body, and present with the Lord!"

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a son, Randy.

Those that wait upon the Lord and celebrate his home-going; his loving wife, Linda K. Gaines; his son, Ray K. Gaines, Jr., San Antonio, Texas; his daughters, Patricia A. Brown, Copperas Cove, Texas, Marcella D. Sanders, Redbird, Oklahoma, Holli M. Brown, Coweta, Oklahoma, Yolanda Jones and Belynda Clayton, both of Wagoner, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; a niece who was like a daughter, Angel Sherman, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Libby, his 'four legged friend that he loved as his' and a host of relatives and friends.

You may visit Pastor Gaines, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Muskogee on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM and on Wednesday, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM.

The Home-going Celebration for Pastor Gaines will commence on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the Central Missionary Baptist Church, 14th and Georgetown.  Reverend Roger Stephenson will Preside and Dr. P. W. Jackson, Sr., will give the Eulogy.

Pastor Gaines will rest in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.