Donald Franklin Gainey

Donald Franklin Gainey, age 87, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away suddenly on October 10, 2023. He was born in Bristol, Florida, on June 24, 1936, to Clyde and Evelyn Gainey. Donald married his childhood sweetheart, Gloria, in 1957, and they were married for 49 years until her passing in 2006. She was always the light of his life, and he the joy of hers. They served the Lord together, traveled all over the world and loved their family with all their hearts – but they loved each other most of all! They have two daughters and sons-in-law: Deborah Martin and her husband, Colonel (Ret) Steven Martin, and Dana Anderson and her husband, Dr. Troy Anderson, all of Raleigh, N.C. He also leaves behind seven adoring grandchildren: Seth and Joshua (Taylor) Ingersoll; Tara (Chris) Anastos; Taylor, Tori, and T.J. (Lauren) Anderson; and Jennifer (Travis) Reynolds. He also leaves eight great-grandchildren: Tyler and Madison Hughes; Theo, Nicole, Coby, Lainey Anastos and Casey and Owen Ingersoll; brother Richard (Mary) Gainey and his sister Wanda (Cassius) DeCrow. He is preceded in death by siblings Peggy (Shelly) Crooms and Jack (Shirley) Gainey. Donald worked at the Pensacola Naval Air Station from the week after his high school graduation until his retirement at 55. He began as a jet engine mechanic apprentice and eventually became a production controller. He was a faithful charter member of Faith Baptist Church in Pensacola and is a veteran of the United States Army. Donald loved playing the banjo (especially with other musicians), working on cars, target shooting, fishing, helping his children and grandchildren with projects, and being a surrogate granddaddy to kids of all ages from all over the country. Mostly, he loved being with his family. The pallbearers for Donald will be his grandsons, Seth and Joshua Ingersoll; his granddaughters, Taylor and Tori Anderson; and his nephews, Daniel Hart and Jeff Gainey. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 18, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church (3600 Creighton Rd, Pensacola). A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 18, at 1:30 p.m. at the same location. The internment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Donald Franklin Gainey

June 24, 1936 - October 10, 2023