Gary Lee Gaines

Gary L. Gaines, 73, of Brooksville, Mississippi, passed away suddenly at Methodist Olive Branch Hospital on November 3 surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born on January 17, 1951, in Clarksdale. Having spent his earliest days living on the King and Anderson plantation for which his father was a manager, Gary developed a deep love for the outdoors which included hunting and farming. He graduated from Coahoma County High School where he was an honor student, served as class president his senior year, and lettered in all sports. He furthered his education at Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Business Administration. 

Gary retired January 31, 2016, as Chief Executive Officer of Mississippi Land Bank with nearly 43 years of service in Farm Credit. Other than a few years in New Orleans, the rest of his career was spent in Mississippi. The last twenty-six of his career were spent in Senatobia. Gaines began his career with Farm Credit upon graduation from Mississippi State University in 1973, and it was the only full-time job he ever held. Growing up in Clarksdale, he worked summers chopping cotton, driving tractors and other types of farm work, so farming was a constant in his early years. Throughout his life he was able to witness farming transition from manual labor and simple machines to technology-laden equipment that gives today’s farmer every advantage possible to be as efficient and profitable as they can be.

 His personal philosophy from the very beginning was to learn all he could learn to prepare for the next opportunity that came about. As he moved up in management, he quickly learned to do his best and to surround himself with outstanding people. He was quoted saying that no matter where he went, he made sure that he surrounded himself with a great team. Gary was very well respected in the Farm Credit district and served in many aspects during his tenure as CEO.

Upon retirement, then Chairman of the Board Abbott Myers stated, “Under Gary’s leadership and guidance, Mississippi Land Bank has grown in reputation and financial strength.” Craig Shideler, then Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer noted, “I’ve had the great fortune to learn so much from my good friend and colleague.” 

While at Mississippi State University, he met the love of his life, Vera Catherine Simpson. The story goes that Vera was needing a ride from MSU to Clarksdale to see her sister, CP Winters, who had taught Gary at Coahoma County High School. Of course, that ride was given, and they fast became friends. They married on January 2, 1971, and were approaching their 54th wedding anniversary. 

As Gary was nearing retirement, he bought 160 acres near the Noxubee Refuge in Crawford, Mississippi. He soon built a small cabin, and of course, a deer “stand” that his family called a “condo.” He enjoyed many years of hunting on his beautiful property. When he made the decision to retire there, he decided to add on significantly to the cabin. His nephew affectionately started referring to it then as the “lodge.” 

Upon retirement, Gary started raising black angus cattle and developed a deep friendship with his friend, Peter Farmer, who called him “chief”—a name that the Land Bank had given him. Peter was his right hand in the cattle farming business and became his best friend. He also purchased another piece of property and cabin in close proximity to the initial property.

Gary and Vera recently joined Columbus First Methodist Church. He and his daughter, Tiffany, were preparing to go on a trip to Israel through the church in May of 2025. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph William Gaines, Jr. and Gracie Mae Hudson. He is survived by his wife, Vera Catherine Simpson Gaines; daughters Dr. Heather Hardison (Andy) of Collierville, Tennessee, and Tiffany Gaines of Olive Branch, Mississippi; sisters Brenda Chandler (John) of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Sharon Raper of Coahoma, Mississippi, and Teresa Webster (Roland) of Sidon, Mississippi; sister-in-law, Lou McQuary (Larry) of West Union, Mississippi, and brother-in-law, John Simpson (Cathy) of Pascagoula, Mississippi; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A funeral service is planned for Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Oakland M.B. Church, 18 Fairport Road, Crawford, MS, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 at Oakland M.B. Church. Pastor Sammy White will be officiating. Interment will follow in Oaklimb Cemetery in Crawford, MS. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Cockrell Funeral Home of Macon, MS is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.