Mark Christopher Gaines

Mark Christopher Gaines, 53, of Willow Springs, passed away Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, at WakeMed Hospital in Cary.

Mark was born March 23rd, 1971, to Robert G. & Margaret Harris Gaines of Cary in Wake County. He is a 1989 graduate of Cary High School and a 1993 bachelor’s degree graduate of Appalachian State University. He was a marketing manager with Parksite Incorporated in Garner, NC. Mark was a member of Athens Drive Baptist Church in Raleigh. In his spare time, he enjoyed going fishing, camping, white water rafting, and kayaking. Mark also enjoyed watching football and cooking for his family. Mark was all conference in high school in wrestling and he also wrestled in college.

Left to cherish Mark’s memory are his daughter, Hannah K. Gaines of Fuquay Varina; his son, Hayden C. Gaines of Willow Springs; his parents, Robert G. and Margaret Harris Gaines of Cary; his sister, Cyndi G. Cantrell and her husband, Reverend Joey Cantrell of Dunn; his former wife, Carman Gaines of Fuquay Varina; and his special friend, Heather Kirk of Carthage. Mark will truly be missed by everyone that knew him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Athens Drive Baptist Church Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, at 3 pm. The visitation will be held at the church from 1-3 pm prior to the service. Reverend Joey Cantrell and Reverend Tim Howell will be officiating the services.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s, Samaritan’s Purse, Twelve Stone Recovery, or Athens Drive Baptist Church.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Gaines family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com