Kenneth Roy Gaines of Middleboro, MA passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025 with his devoted son, Kenneth Joseph Gaines by his side. He was 88 years old.

Kenneth was born June 12, 1936, the oldest of six children to the late Joseph (Sunbeam) Gaines and Elizabeth (Gabriel) Gaines in Boston, MA. After high school, he joined the army where he proudly served in the Korean War and traveled throughout Europe on assignments. After an honorable discharge, Kenneth returned to Boston where he met and married his wife Bettye Love Chavis. This union of 62 years was blessed with three children: Lisa (deceased), Lori and Kenneth J. They made homes in Medford, Malden, Tewksbury and most recently Middleboro, MA.

Kenneth was the proud owner and operator of C&G Oil Company where he serviced Tewksbury and the surrounding areas for 40 years. A few years ago Kenneth received an unexpected call from the son of a customer who thanked him for delivering oil to his mother, he and his siblings during a very cold winter when his mother could not afford to pay him. He said they never forgot his generosity and are forever grateful.

A highlight of his life was owning and racing thoroughbred horses. He won 18 races and often said being able to race horses was his dream come true.

Upon retirement, Kenneth learned how to use an iphone and began driving for Uber. He enjoyed meeting and talking to various people from all over the world and driving them to their destinations. Kenneth also volunteered at the Middleboro Food Pantry where he served nutritious food to needy families.

Kenneth is survived by his loving children, Lori Gaines McCullom (Kevin) and Kenneth Joseph Gaines (Mechille); grandchildren-Tiffany Joyce Smith (Floris), Sarina Chistine Gaines, Michael Bradley Gaines McCullom, Cherisa Cresencia Hernandez (Peter) and Peter Louie Hernandez; great grandchildren-Johvanni and Jazlynn; sisters in law; Gladys Aquino Gaines, Karen Chavis and Virginia Coleman and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his devoted and beloved wife, Bettye L. Gaines; daughter Dr. Lisa V. Gaines Smith; brothers Leonard Gaines, Paul F. Gaines, Sr; sisters Janice Barnett, Beverly Wyche and Jocelyn Gaines.

A memorial service will be held on February 22, 2025 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the Oak Point Club House, 200 Oak Point Drive, Middleboro.

For live streaming of Mr. Gaines' memorial service go to: https://www.harborview.live/

Repass immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Memorial Sloan Kettering or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

To offer your condolences online, please visit our website: www.oneillfuneral.com

Arrangements are by the O'Neill Funeral Home, 59 Peirce Street, Middleboro.