Gary L. Baines Sr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Gary Lynn Baines, Sr., age 78, of Jonesborough, TN. Gary gained his forever wings Wednesday, October 14th, 2026 at his home after a long, fierce battle with illness, surrounded by an outpouring of love from friends and family.

He was born October 16, 1947 to the late Haskel Alfred Baines, Sr. and Geneva Gertrude Littleton Baines of Sulphur Springs, TN.

Gary was a godly man who attended Mustard Seed Worship Center alongside his wife and grandchildren.

He was one of the hardest working men this world was blessed to have. He excelled in his diverse career and passions throughout life and retired early on from North Electric. Later in life, he retired from the Washington County Highway Department after 40+ years of devoted and dependable service.

Gary was a kind and compassionate man who will forever be cherished for always being a dependable and loving father, husband and papaw. Gary adored being a papaw and kept his brown paper bag lined with dollar bills waiting for the smiling faces of his grandbabies to arrive, ready to be spoiled.

Gary was remarkable in all that he did. He enjoyed being an avid farmer, an all around handyman who could fix anything, and shared a love for old cars. Gary always said a working man doesn't work on Sundays. Instead, Sundays were always reserved for the Lord and family. When Gary wasn't hard at work, you could find him relaxing on his back porch waiting with a snack cake in hand and a smile that made you feel at home. Gary had a sweet tooth like no other which may have been what made him so darn sweet. Gary was a caring, loving and selfless man who walked through life with a hand out, not to take, but always to give. He gave the best advice and always reminded us "You ought' not be like that, kid."

Gary departed this world leaving behind a legacy of unmatched love and kindness. The impact he left is deeply rooted in the family and friendships he created. He will be missed beyond what words could describe and will forever be remembered in our hearts.

Gary was preceded in death by his sisters; Linda Baines Corum, Judy Baines Hart, Brenda Baines Sanders, and an infant sister; brothers; Haskel Baines Jr., Bobby Creed Baines, and Galen Richard Baines.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of over 55 years Billie Crawford Baines; sister Nancy Baines Burgner; brother Jimmy Dale Baines; son Gary "Monk" Lynn Baines, Jr; daughter Jeannie Baines Britton (Mike); daughter Teina Baines Estep (Travis); nine grandchildren Sadie Smith James (David), Garylee "Tate" Smith (Rheanne), Peyton Baines, Ali Starnes Lewis (Mitchell), Tyler Estep (Katie), Ashton "Derk" Smith (Taylor), Thaddeus Estep (Makyla), Thatcher Estep, Trentin Estep; four great grandaughters Lennox, Tatum, BilliLee, and Covelyn Smith; Bonus son Harold "Lee" Smith (Tammy); and several nieces, nephews, cousins and others.

The Baines family will gather to greet friends and share memoires Monday, October 19, 2026, at Jonesborough Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow the Visitation at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor John H. Moore and Deacon Calvin Bennett officiating. Committal Service and Interment will follow the Funeral in Maple Lawn Cemetery. Gary's grandsons Tate, Derk, Peyton, Tyler, Thaddeus, Thatcher, and Trentin will serve as pallbearers.