Gaines E. White, 74, of Russellville, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, at his home.

He was born Feb. 10, 1934, to Joe E. and Grace Pitman White of the Pless Community where he grew up and was a graduate of Lamar High School.

Mr. White was an active member and officer of the United Commercial Travelers. He was also a charter member of Crow Mountain Baptist Church, which began as a mission of Second Baptist Church of Russellville. He was instrumental in the overseeing and actual construction of Crow Mountain Baptist Church; and was an active member of the men’s Sunday school class. At the church, he was lovingly known as "Mr. Gaines."

For years he was employed as a sales/service representative for International Multi Foods and for Super Sweet Feeds. Later, he worked as a security officer for Tyson Foods before becoming a supervisor for Securitas Security Services at Tyson Foods.

Gaines was preceded in death by his parents as well as his father-in-law, J. Earl Smith, and mother-in-law, Mildred Baurichter Smith.

Gaines is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirlene Smith White; a son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Nikki White of Alma; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Bob Hardgrave of Little Rock and Carol and Bo Parker of London; grandchildren, Steven and Megan Hardgrave of Charlotte, N. C., Nancy Hardgrave and Shelley Hardgrave of Fayetteville, Laura and Kip Kruger of Little Rock, Ross White and fiancée, Maegan Gray, of Alma, Samantha and Brent Taylor of London, Eric Parker of London, Lindsey and Josh Johnson of Mountainburg, and Payton Allen of Alma; his three great-grandchildren, Christopher, Analiese and Sicily Hardgrave, all of Charlotte; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Don and Doris White, Jerrell and Esther White, and Roger and Mary White; and a sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Aaron Anthony all of London. There are numerous nephews, nieces and many good friends.

Funeral services were Saturday at the Crow Mountain Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Don Rose, the Rev. Al Sparkman and the Rev. Danny Green; and honorarily assisted by the Rev. David McLemore. Burial was in East Point Cemetery near Russellville, by Shinn Funeral Service.

Active pallbearers were Lee Owens, Kenny McKnight, Blake Herren, Al Polsgrove, Mack Hayden and Christopher King. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Men’s Sunday school class of Crow Mountain Baptist Church.

Gaines was a positive influence on many and will be missed. In honor of his life, donations may be made toward the construction of Fellowship Hall at Crow Mountain Baptist Church.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.