Mr. William Gainey was born in Pamplico, South Carolina to the parentage of Hannibal and Zelma Gainey on July 21, 1935, where they resided until moving to Tampa, Florida when William was 10 years old. He received the Lord at a young age and was a lifelong member of Pleasant Chapel A.M.E. Church. He attended Hillsborough County Public Schools, graduating from Middleton High School in 1955. His work ethic was impeccable, which began as a young boy where he would find odd jobs for pocket change and often worked several jobs to provide for his family. William retired as a truck driver from Carolina Freight after 24 years of service. William was preceded in death by his parents, Hannibal and Zelma Gainey; son, Raynell Gainey; sisters, Ruby McDowell, and Laura Thomas.

Mr. Gainey leaves to continue his legacy: his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Thelma Gainey of Tampa, FL; son, Stevie Gainey (Deloris); daughters Felecia Johnson (Charles), Cassandra Richardson (Darrell), Valinda Gainey, Vonceia Gainey Reed, and Arkeitha Webb; daughter-in-law Regina Gainey; grandchildren: Raynell Jr. (Letisha), Roderick, and Ryan Gainey, Stevie Jr., Ebony, Thelecia, and Katrinna Gainey, Retina Johnson, Jermaine Johnson (Kimerlyn), Deanna Munroe (Ron) of Santa Clarita, CA, Keri Johnson, Kelwin Gainey, Clinton (Tameaka) Bowers, Richard Bowers, William Bowers, Darrell Richardson, Jr. (Chonoesty), and Kevin Richardson, Malcolm West, Ashley Gainey-Chapman, Danielle Reed, Isaiah Gainey Reed, Raechelle Knighten (Deandre) Renee, Rayburn, Renetta, Raeshawna, and Raymond Webb; 54 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; sisters Virgie Anglin (Billy), Carolyn Miller, Katie Booher of Houston, TX, Bridget Benton Gainey; and brother Dennis Gainey (Rose) of Houston, TX; in-laws Morris Glenn Sr., Thomas Glenn of Monticello FL, Florence Joseph (Paul) of Miami FL, and Nancy Grant of Monticello FL, Thelma Glenn of Tallahassee, FL, and James McDowell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

William loved family and his greatest pride and joy was to be able to gather together and embrace his heritage; he especially liked to watch the children converse, laugh, and play. He would often say "They all come from me" and he kept an account of each and every single one. It was important to him to value and show appreciation of others for their time and efforts. As a young man he was given the name "Scrappy" by his football coach Abe Brown, because of his perseverance and determination. This was his heart until the very end, and a characteristic he instilled in his family.

He would always say "Its hard, but its fair!" These are the words that best capture the essence of William Hanna Gainey Wise | Honest | Supportive | Dependable | Present | Constant | Resilient 2 Timothy 4:7-8 King James Version I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing

~Well Done My good and faithful servant~.

Funeral Service
Pleasant Chapel AME
Sunday, September 19, 2021
12:00 PM
2615 Chipco St
Tampa, FL