William Thomas Gainey, Sr.

William Thomas Gainey, Sr. passed away on April 21, 2021 by his beloved Neuse River in Pamlico County.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ione Gainey.

Tommy attended Garner Schools and graduated from Edwards Military Academy and Hardbargers Business College.  On August 29, 1965, he and Lois Humphries were married at Garner United Methodist Church.  Tommy was employed at Watson Seafood and Poultry, Durham Life Insurance, and by the Wake County Purchasing Department.  His lifetime dream had been to own and operate a restaurant which came to fruition in 1992.  He and Lois purchased the Village Restaurant in Oriental, NC and ran it for the next 12 years.  After retirement he enjoyed boating and fishing.

Tommy was a member of Garner United Methodist Church, past president of Garner Optimist Club, Cub Scout Leader, and spent many years on Garner Schools’ Advisory Board.   He was especially proud to be a Mason and a Shriner.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lois Gainey; son, Will Gainey of Arapahoe; daughter, Dawn Gainey Wicker (Jade) of Garner; grandchildren: Cory Gainey, Jack Gainey, and Katie Wicker; sister, Linda Gainey Poole; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Philip and Margaret Humphries; special cousin, Betsy Gainey; and five nieces and nephews.  He is also leaving behind his beloved special companions Pork Chop and Moses.

A graveside service will be held at Montlawn Memorial Park on April 26, 2021 at 3pm.  A riverside memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Garner United Methodist Church - Men’s Bible Class College Fund at 201 Methodist Dr., Garner, NC 27529 or Hospice of Pamlico County at PO Box 6, Bayboro, NC 28515.