On June 30, 2023, Michael Thomas Gaines returned to Heaven.

Funeral will be 3:00 PM Sunday July 2, 2023, at Vandalia Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 PM at the church prior to the service and briefly following the service. There will be a private graveside service at Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery.

Michael was born October 5, 1969, to Thomas Earl and Nita Ann Reedy Gaines. Michael attended McIver School  in Greensboro. He was a participant in Special Olympics. Michael held a job with Winn-Dixie at Forest Oaks for over ten years. Michael attended Vandalia Baptist Church his whole life until medical issues hindered his attendance. Even though he was unable to attend church, he had a strong desire to return to his church family and job as Sunday School worker and usher.

Michael was a dedicated sports fan of the Carolina Tarheels, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Braves and Petty Enterprises through the good and bad seasons.

Michael is preceded in death by his father Thomas Earl; brother, Thomas Allen; paternal grandparents, Herbert and Vera Gaines; maternal grandparents, Emil and Bernice Reedy.

He is survived by his mother Nita Ann and friend Eddie; sister, Debbie (Keith); brother, David (Telly); nephews Brandon, Ethan, Aaron (Bri), Sebron (Chelsee); nieces Emily (Robert), Ireland (Dylan); along with seven great nieces and nephews and numerous family and friends that will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to Vandalia Christian School Scholarship Fund, 3919 Pleasant Garden Road, Greensboro, NC 27406.