Gaines, Randel Lee (Age 54) of Nanjemoy, MD

Obituary

Randel Lee Gaines passed into eternal life on Saturday, November 3, 2012 in Urbanna, Virginia. One of fourteen children, Randel was born to the late Amos and Lucille Gaines on March 11, 1958 in Nanjemoy, Maryland.

He was educated in the Charles County public school system. Randel accepted God at a young age and was baptized by the late Reverend William Leach. He became a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church, Nanjemoy, Maryland.

On June 18, 1988, Randel was united in marriage to, Agnes Marcella "Cella" Johnson. Though they had no biological children, he was a father figure to some and a confidant to others but to all he was their special uncle. Prior to their passing, Randel had a special bond with his parents and checked in on them daily.

Randel's work history included Gaines Electric, Hatton Electric and Cobey Construction before becoming an independent contractor. A jack-of-all-trades, Randel was the one you called when you needed help. Whether it was working on his parents' home or others in the community, no one called the plumber, or electrician, they just called Randel, the family handy man. Even during his failing health, Randel continued to visit job sites with his cousin, Sedrick to lend his expertise. You could call him on the telephone and while he couldn't physically do the job, he would talk you through it.


Randel was a simple man, a great husband, wonderful son, brother and father figure. He was soft spoken yet a great talker, once engaged in conversation, it was hard to shut him up. His hobbies included working on his 1962 Falcon and going to the racetrack with his brothers, nieces and nephews. Following in the footsteps of his father, Randel inherited the love of farming and gardening. He also enjoyed traveling, family camping trips and don't forget football. An avid Redskin fan, his home was the gathering place for watching football games. Randel loved to entertain and always welcomed you with a smile.

In addition to his parents, Randel was preceded in death by his brothers, William and Chris, sister Paula, father in law, Thomas Johnson, brothers in law James and Garnell Johnson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Agnes (Cella), brothers, Amos (Toni), Roland (Trudy), Jerome (Janet), Scott, Mark (LaShannan), sisters, Adelaide (Donald), Lavern (Rufus), Juanita (Andrew), Ethel Johnson and Romaine, mother in law, Mary Johnson, brother in law Wallace (Vickie) sisters in law, Patricia Gaines, Doris (Wayne), Shirlette (Clarence), and Torinda (Thomas). Four aunts, Ardell Bannister, Mary Swann (James), Celeste Smith and Mamie Johnson, four uncles, Jesse (Catherine), William (Mary), Daniel (Lou Jean) Lawson, Samuel Savoy; special nephews Darran, Steven and Brent, special niece and great nephew, Kaneesha and Desmond; Jasmine Barnett who was like a daughter; special friend Jerome Carter and host of other relative and, friends.

Randel will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched in his special way. He fought a great battle and now he is at peace. Don't cry for him; just know that we have another Angel watching over us.

His viewing will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012, 9:00am until time of Service 11:00am, Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 11220 Holly Springs Road, Nanjemoy, MD. Interment Church Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, MD.