Marcus Gaines

Marcus Anthony Gaines, was born on January 13th, 1967, on a Friday to Leonard Anthony Gaines Jr. and Bessie Lee Gaines (Askew). Marcus was baptized at an early age in St. John Divine Baptist Church, which he'd attended frequently with his grandmother Hilton Askew. He was inspired by music and had a deep connection for it. He joined the church choir and had a love for community service, which led him to becoming a boy scout. He was inspired by his grandmother who had a hand in raising him and his sister Cheryl. Marcus was an active youth in his community, by doing lawn service and a paper route by the time he was 13. A proud graduate of Booker T Washington High School, in 1994 he moved to the DC metro area. There he worked as a chef, a server and a bartender, to several 5 star restaurants. 

In 2001, Marcus moved back to Pensacola feeling sentimental about his cherished memories of his hometown; as a true Floridian, he loved the beach, swimming, and fishing in his spare time - which was a hobby of his. 

In 2012 Marcus met his wife Sharon Williams by chance through one of his good friends. Marcus and Sharon fell in love and he inherited her three children: Kianna Williams (Vale) Thompson , Kayla Roper and Quincy Roper and three grandchildren: Taylen, Jaiden, and Micah. After moving to Trenton in 2015 in a long engagement they were married during a pandemic in 2021, Marcus and Sharon union was performed by pastor Frank James at Bethel AME Church of Trenton, FL and witness by members Stanley and Gladys McHenry as Marcus and Sharon shared 12 years together; they were inseparable. Marcus became a prominent member of the community who was kind, He never met a stranger, always had many jokes to tell, a great storyteller, was love-giving and sharing what he'd had with people. Marcus was known by many in the community and was welcomed with open arms, his life in Trenton was lived for 10 years and to know him was to love him as he loved all people and the words of Marcus Gaines: "help a man who's helped many" "some get some and some get none" "it's hard but it's fair".

Marcus is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Gaines Jr and Bessie Gaines and Sandy Askew whom was like a second father to him. 

Marcus is survived by his loving wife Sharon Williams, his children Kianna Williams (Vale) Thompson , Kayla Roper and Quincy Roper. His sister Cheryl (Keith) Howard. His niece Nyanna Williams and grand niece Skylen. His 3 grandchildren, Taylen, Jaiden and Micah Thompson. Also his cousins Michelle and Larry Askew. 

The family will receive friends for a wake on June 21, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 P.M at Watson-Milton Funeral Home in Trenton, FL. 

A funeral to honor Marcus will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 3:00 P.M also located at Watson-Milton Funeral Home. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home. Trenton (352)463-8888 www.watsonmilton.com