Ken "Pee Wee" Jerome Gaines

Mr. Ken Jerome “Pee Wee” Gaines, age 64, of Hartwell, GA, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 11, 1961, in Augusta, GA, he was the son of the late Leroy Gaines and Jo Ann (Shiflet) Gaines.

At an early age, Ken attended Hart County Training School, Hartwell Elementary, Hart County Junior High School, and Hartwell High School. During his school years, he was known for assisting the football team by wrapping players’ ankles.

Ken had a strong work ethic and a wide range of work experiences. He worked as a transporter for C&S Bank, at Carey Service Station, and most importantly alongside his father in the family business. He cherished the time spent working with his uncle, James “Dirt Dobber” Morrison, and his aunt, Thelma Morrison, who lovingly gave him the nickname “Ken Dooley.”

Throughout his life, Ken also worked with Billy and Gail Milford, Allen Powell, Bruce Crittendon, Springs Industries, Bonnie Powell, and Dwayne Williams. He especially enjoyed yard work and took great pride in helping others, including assisting Dwayne’s mother, Pete Hope.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hodges Gaines, Caledonia McMullen Gaines Allen, Willie Sr. and Bertha Reed Shiflet; his stepfather, Jake Allen; his father-in-law, Coy Mattox (Evelyn & Laura); sisters-in-law, Holly Mattox Fowler and Gloria Diane Montgomery; and brother-in-law, MSG Joseph Mattox.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver of 26 years, Mrs. Wanda (Mattox) Gaines. Their love was evident to all, and they were united in marriage on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2002. They shared a life filled with love and rarely left each other’s side.

He also leaves behind seven loving children: Kendall Mack (Darren), Reginald Smith, Dekendrick Grimes, Nicola Harper (Charles, Jr.), Shycola Williams (Terrance), Kenneth Hunter, Jr. (Roderica), and Zain Rowland (Sabrina); and one brother, Steven Haygood.

In addition, Ken is survived by his sisters-in-law, Lyda Shumaker (Larry), Bridgett Carter (Minister Joseph Carter), and Catherine Mattox; brothers-in-law, Jerrell Mattox, Jeffery Mattox, and Michael Mattox; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In accordance with Ken’s wishes, cremation will take place, and no formal services are scheduled at this time.

The family is at the home of his wife, Wanda Gaines, 865 Elizabeth Road, Hartwell, GA 30643.

Services have been entrusted to Coile and Hall Funeral Directors and Crematory, 333 E. Johnson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643.