Eddie Gaines

Edmund (Eddie) Louis Gaines, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on April 23 at age 71. Eddie lived with his wife, Kathy, on Lake Norman, and devoted his life to serving his community and spending time with his family. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to George and Marjorie Newton Gaines, Eddie graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1964 and earned a bachelor's in political science and juris doctoral degree, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He married Kathy Guy of Statesville in 1970, and spent his entire career as a lawyer and partner of Homesley, Gaines, Dudley, and Clodfelter. In addition, Eddie served as the attorney of the City of Statesville for 30 years and was a long time member of the Statesville Rotary Club. He is survived by three daughters, Amanda Gaines Moore (David), Emily Gaines Buchler (Norbou), and Leah Gaines Messick (Michael); three granddaughters, Kathleen Carter Moore, Eloise Gaines Buchler, and Beatrice Gaines Buchler, plus two grandchildren expected this fall; three siblings, Ben Gaines (Karen), Mary Henderson (Charlie), and Elizabeth Gaines Fox (David); and seven nieces and nephews, Josh, Erin, Hannah, Sarah Catherine, Laura, Rebekah, and Dan. Also surviving is his mother-in-law, Kathleen Guy of Statesville. Known for his keen sense of humor and profound kindness and decency, Eddie was an avid reader who lived life to the fullest. He believed strongly in the human spirit and loved everything from Tarheel basketball and Springsteen to riding waves at the beach, making the best use of a Mulligan and sharing good times on Facebook. His family, friends, and colleagues love him dearly and will miss him terribly. A celebration of life service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Broad Street United Methodist Church with Dr. Jack Causey officiating. All local law firm employees are invited to sit together in a group with his firm at the front. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Memorial Hall of the church. Private burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. For those who prefer, memorials may be given to Broad St. United Methodist Church, 315 W. Broad St. Statesville, N.C. 28677 or to Fifth Street Ministries, 1421 Fifth St., Statesville, N.C. 28677. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.