BEN MARLIN GAINES , age 80, founded Gaines Mfg. in his garage in Memphis in 1945. Gaines moved the company to McKenzie in 1958 and it grew to employ as many as 700. The company was sold to River Oaks in 1994 and later closed. A high school dropout and World War II veteran who became a millionaire, Gaines' legacy of community service and philanthropy was recognized in 2000 when he was named Carroll Countian of the Year. His family funded scholarships at Bethel College, based here, which named its Olympic-sized pool for him and his wife. Gaines' son, Ben Gaines Jr., is chief executive officer of upholstery producer New Generations Furniture, launched here in 1997. He was a pioneer and innovator in the industry. He was a son of Benjamin Franklin Gaines and Mary Idella Williard, On October 15, 1942, he married the girl he had fallen in love with when they were both just 13 years old, Miss Ludie Montgomery, before sailing for foreign shores as an enlisted member of the United States Army. Ben was one of 175 original members of the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division anti-tank unit, a band of men united in an effort that cemented bonds of brotherhood that have lasted over 60 years. While most of the men were in their early 20's, they were a diverse lot, coming together from large industrial cities, small towns and family farms. Many were from Michigan, Wisconsin and New York. Together, the men stormed the North African beaches at Casablanca on November 8, 1942, then embarked on a 31-month journey of nearly continuous combat that took them through nine more campaigns in Tunisia, Sicily, Southern Italy, Anzio Beachhead, Southern France, Germany and Austria. By V/E Day - the date of Germany's unconditional surrender - Ben was one of only 62 surviving original soldiers; the dead and wounded had been replaced by 185 other soldiers, for an over 100 percent turnover that reflects the sacrifice paid by brave men and grieving families. Although he had only a high school education, Ben knew the value of hard work. After arriving home from his regular job, evenings were spent upholstering furniture in his garage for extra income. By the early 1950's, he was building furniture for Kemmons Wilson's new chain of Holiday Inn hotels. The furniture line could be purchased by customers throughout the United States with Holiday Inns everywhere serving as a showcase for the Gaines products. Gaines Manufacturing Company moved to McKenzie in 1958, an enterprise that eventually blossomed into a small-town dynasty requiring 700 employees prior to Ben's retirement. Because of his many philanthropic endeavors and community service, Ben was honored as the Carroll Countian of the Year in 2000. An avid supporter of Bethel College in McKenzie, Ben was instrumental in a campaign that brought Bob Hope to the Bethel campus in 1975, an event that raised over $100,000 for the college. The school's six-lane, indoor heated pool, ranging from 3 feet to 12 feet deep, was named "The Ben and Ludie Gaines Pool" in appreciation of the family's generous contributions. Many scholarships have been made available by the Gaines family for students attending Bethel College. In recognition of the Gaines' unselfish generosity, commitment and devotion to Bethel's legacy and future success, the college in May 1997 honored both Ben and Ludie Gaines with honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees. In addition to his son, Gaines is survived by his wife, two daughters and seven grandchildren.
Contributed by Caroline - Find-A-Grave

LUDIE (MONTGOMERY) GAINES , age 84, died in an auto accident. She and her husband were well known Carroll County philanthropist and was most enthusiastic about everything she did. The couple were major contributors to Bethel College. They were married 60 years. She was the widow of prominent furniture mogul Ben Gaines Sr., who died in 2003. Their son, Ben Gaines Jr., would eventually carry on the family business by opening New Generations Furniture in McKenzie. She was a member of First United Church in McKenzie. She demonstrated a vitality and a love of living that inspired everyone, and she was a strong supporter of victims' rights. Her daughter was kidnapped in 1978 and held for ransom, but was able to escape after 4 days from her captors. She is survived by her son, Ben Gaines, Jr, two daughters, Jodie, and Patricia.
Contributed by Caroline - Find-A-Grave

ARTHUR WAIN GASKINS , born and raised in the Spring Creek section of this county and member of a family long residing there, passed away Friday evening (17 April 2009) shortly after 9 o'clock at Jackson Madison County General Hospital. He was 79. Mr. Gaskins was retired from the Tennessee Department of Transportation after more than 50 years of humble service. Mr. Gaskins was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church of Medina. Mr. Gaskins was preceded in death by father, Thomas Richard Gaskins and mother, Mrs. Emma McAlexander Gaskins. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mrs. Maxine Humphrey Gaskins of Spring Creek; only son, Arthur Wain Gaskins, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Karen Mays Gaskins, both of Memphis; three grandsons, Bradley Wain Gaskins and Andrew Brian Gaskins both of Knoxville, and Joseph Daniel Gaskins of Memphis; great-granddaughter Gwendolyn Violet Gaskins of Knoxville; brother, Thomas Leroy Gaskins of Nashville as well as two beloved Yorkies, Sugar Babe and Lilly, both of Spring Creek. Funeral services will be conducted Monday April 20, 2009, at 1:00 PM from the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with Bro. Wendell Birbhett officiating. Burial will follow in Hickory Flatt Cemetery in Cedar Grove. Visitation with his family will be at the funeral home this evening from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
(Jackson Sun 19 April 2009)

GLADYS GATELY - Services for Gladys Gateley were held Friday. Gladys Sellers Gateley, 74, died Oct. 15, at Carroll County General Hospital. Services were held Friday, Oct. 17, at Twin Oaks Church of Christ. Bro. R.M. Palmer officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery. Dilday Funeral Home had charge. She leaves her husband, Jessie Gateley, two sons, Othel Gateley of Huntingdon, and Huston Gateley of Pekin, Ill. a sister, Mrs. Vida Gateley of Cedar Grove.
From the collection of Joy Beth Campbell

JESSE LONZO GATELY , 86, of Northwood Drive in Huntingdon, died Thursday morning, November 17, at Benton County General Hospital. He was a retired farmer and a member of Twin Oaks Church of Christ. He leaves two sons, Huston Gateley and Othel Gateley, both of Huntingdon; one sister, Mrs. Lorene Barger of Medina, 1 brother, Joe Gateley, Sr., of Huntingdon; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday, November 19, 1983, at 2 p.m. at Twin Oaks Church of Christ with R.M. Palmer, minister,officiating. Burial was in Twin Oaks Cemetery with Dilday Funeral Home in charge.
Transcribed by Diana Gilbert - Nov. 17, 1983 Newspaper Unknown

JOE GATELY , 91, of Huntingdon, died Saturday, August 8, 1998 at Bapist Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon. Services were held on Sunday, August 9, at the Twins Oaks Church of Christ. Burial followed in the Twins Oaks Community Cemetery. Brothers R.M. Palmer and Bro. Dave Morrison officiated. Dilday Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Mr. Gateley, the son of the late Wix and Amanda Gatlin Gateley, was born November 3, 1906, in Henderson County. He was a member of the Twins Oaks Church of Christ, where he served a an elder. He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Kirk Gateley; two brothers, Zannie Gateley and J.L. Gateley; and two sisters, Della Thomas and Vennie McAlexander. Mr. Gateley is survived by two daughters, Polly Bartholomew and Betsy Stout, both of Huntingdon; two sons, Donny Gateley and Joe Gateley, Jr., both of Huntingdon; a sister, Lorene Barger of Humbolt; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers who served were Bill Stout, Steve Stout, John Betterman, Kerry Gateley, Robert Joe Harrison and Les Freeman.
Transcribed by Diana Gilbert - Aug. 12, 1998 Leader Newspaper

VELMA KIRK GATELY , 80, of Huntingdon, a homemaker, died February 14, 1989 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon. Funeral services were conducted at Twins Oaks Church of Christ February 16, 1989 at 2pm. with Bro. Robert Jackson and Bro. David Owen officiating. Burial was in Twin Oaks Cemetery. Dilday Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Born December 30, 1908 to Perse Kirk and the former Nina Woodard, Mrs. Gateley was a native of Carroll County and a member of the Twins Oaks Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband, Joe Gateley, Sr. of Huntingdon; two daughters, Polly Bartholomew adn Betsy Stout; two sons, Joe Gateley, Jr. and Donny Gateley, all of Huntingdon; two sister, Myrtle Griggs of Ft. Walton, Fla. and Mary Emily Murphy of Jackson, Tn.; three brothers, Hubert Kirk of Cedar Grove, Jesse Kirk of Atwood and Gene Kirk of Little Rock, Ark.; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Contributed by Diana Gilbert

GEORGE GATTON , son-in-law of Mrs.P. A. Duncan of this place, fell from a train near Stanton, Kentucky last Tuesday (November 6, 1888) and was killed. His remains were brought here for interment. Mr. Gatton had been braking on a freight train for some time and his remains were brought here by the following friends and relatives; Thomas Gatton, Mrs. Gatton, Mrs. Maggie Davitt , Mrs. J. A. Allen, J. L. Warner, R. D. Thompson, H. G. Chundy, W. R. McPherson, J. L. Warner, all from Stanford, Kentucky (both Stanton and Stanford were in the same item).
Carroll County Democrat Huntingdon, Tennessee Friday, November 9, 1888

IRVIN COLUMBUS GIBSON , was the son of Porter Gibson and Sarah Jane (Rainey) Gibson. He died at the age of 29 from influenza before the birth of his youngest child, Irva, who was not born until the following February in 1897. He was first buried in a small unnamed cemetery near his home but was later moved to New Hope Cemetery after 1974 to be buried next to his wife, Mary Eliza Waugh
Obituary from Johnny D. Walker on Find-A-Grave

ALBERT R. GOOCH , son of L. O. GOOCH, was shot and killed at Nocona, Texas Sunday, January 6 at 2:30 while in discharge of his duty as police officer. He and a fellow officer, armed with a search warrant, went to the home of a person charged with bootlegging. The man doing the shooting was already under bond. As Mr. Gooch entered the room, the offender, hiding behind the door of another room, shot Gooch with a sawed off shotgun, the load entering behind the left ear. The body was taken to the funeral parlor, embalmed for shipment to Tennessee to be buried beside his mother at Barr Springs graveyard in the 26th district near Westport. It arrived at Huntingdon at 10:30, accompanied by JOE GOOCH, a brother. It was carried to the parlor of the jail, the official residence of Sheriff J. C. BUTLER, whose wife is a sister of the Mr. Gooch where it laid in state until Thursday, at 10:30, carried to the Baptist Church, service conducted by REV. T. M. BOYD and E. H. MARTIN. Masons officiated at the service. Sheriff Butler received a telegram from the mayor of Denton, Texas which bore testimony to the efficiency of Mr. Gooch as an officer, the telegram declaring that Texas had lost one of its bravest and best officers. Many generous floral tributes from Texas friends covered the casket of the deceased, showing he had made friends in his new home. He was born in Carroll County in 1881, being nearly 48 years old. He moved to Texas some 25 years ago and had been a police officer 8 or 10 years. He was the son of L. O. and MARGARET GOOCH. He is survived by four sisters, MRS. J. C. BUTLER, MRS. ELMER ORR, MRS. TOM MITCHELL, and MRS. HENRY BUTLER, all of Carroll County, and three brothers, BEN and JAMES GOOCH of Carroll County and JOE GOOCH of Pilot Point, Texas.
The Tennessee Republican Huntingdon, Carroll County Friday, January 18, 1929 (Found at GenForum by Nita)

JAMES FRANCIS GOWAN - Services for James Francis Gowan, 81, of Lavinia were at 2 p.m. Monday, August 17, at the Bodkin Funeral Home in Milan with Rev. James Smith and Rev. Don Barnett officiating. Burial was in the Hickory Flat United Methodist Church Church near Lavinia. Mr. Gowam, a retired farmer, died early Saturday morning, Aug. 15, at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born in Carroll County July 17, 1911, son of the late John Calvin and Artie Frances Smith Gowan. He had lived in the county all his life. He was a member of the Hickory Flat United Methodist Church and was also a member of the Modern Woodman of the World. Surviving are his wife, Gertie Grace Gowan, Lavinia; a daughter, Dorothy Hanscom, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; two brothers, Ollie Gowan, Rockford, Ill., and Jesse Gowan, Cedar Grove; two sisters, Earline Smith, Lothian, Maryland, Marie Galey, Lothian, Lavinia; a grand-daughter and one great-grand-daughter.
News Leader, Aug. 19, 1992 - From the collection of Joy Beth Campbell - transcribed by, Dianna Gilbert

LINDA JOYCE GRANT - Funeral services for Linda Joyce Grant were Friday May 9, 2008 in the chapel of Chase Funeral Home. Interment followed in the Clarksburg Cemetery. Mrs. Grand, retired assistant postmaster age 66, died Friday May 2, 2008 at Broomfield Skilled Nursing Home. She was preceded by her husband James Lindell Grant and one grandson. Survivors include one daughter Kelli Carlock of Westminster CO, two sons, Roger of Yuma and Mickey of Wildersville and six grandchildren.
Lexington Progress 14 May 2008

OPAL (MYRACLE) GROGAN - Funeral services for Opal Myracle Grogan, age 89 will be Wednesday Aug. 22 at 11, a.m. at Reeds Chapel in Lexington with burial to follow in the Blair Cemetery in Clarksburg. Mrs. Grogan was originally from Clarksburg. She resided the last several years in Sevierville TN. She died Sunday Aug. 19, 2007, in Pigeon Forge.She is survived by 3 children, Shirley Grogan and Shelia Grogan Wood of Knoxville and Jimmy Grogan of St. Louis, MO; 5 grandchildren, Mickey Ellis, Leigh Grogan, Jon Grogan, Jonathan Wood, and Nathaniel Wood and 2 great-grandchildren, Bridgett Ellis, Stephanie Fry; one great-great-grandchild, Skylar Fry. She was preceded in death by her husband T.P. Grogan of Clarksburg. Visitation will be Wednesday 9 a.m. until service.
August 22, 2007 Lexington Progress