WILLIE NEAL GAINES was born on January 12, 1946, in Smith County, Texas to the parentage of the late Phillip Gaines and Jessie Mae Williams Gaines. At an early age, he united with the Chapel Hill C.M.E. Church where he attended with his siblings. Willie started school at a Rosenwald School in Liverpool, Texas and later attended elementary school in Cleveland, Texas. He later moved back to Smith County with his parents where he attended Jackson Elementary, Junior and Senior High School. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1963.

Willie's mother, Jessie Mae Williams Gaines was called home to be with the Lord when he was 8 years old. He had to step into the role of caretaker and mentor for his younger siblings.

Willie was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1965 where he served for 2 years including 1 year of combat in South Vietnam plus 4 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He received the following medals and badges: Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, M-14 Rifle Marksman Badge, and Pistol Caliber .45 Sharpshooters Badge. He attended Los Angeles Trade Technical School in Los Angeles, California after being honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. He worked several years at various jobs in Los Angeles until moving back to Dallas, Texas in 1974 where he was employed at Texas Instruments and later Raytheon where he retired in 2006.

Willie met and married the love of his life, Margaret Armstead on November 10, 1979. The Lord blessed them with three beautiful daughters, Cassandra, Wilnesa, and Ashley. He was a great provider, role model, and supporter of his beautiful family.

Willie received the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship as a Plumber. He continued his education in electrical and heating. After his retirement, he continued to assist his family and friends with home repairs. He also enjoyed farming in Smith County raising various crops and then giving the produce away.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents (Phillip and Jessie Mae Williams Gaines), sisters (Jessie Mae Gaines and Paula Chatman) and son-in-law (Desmond Luster, Sr.). Willie's memory will be cherished by his devoted wife of 42 years, Margaret Armstead Gaines, daughters Cassandra Luster of Lancaster, Texas, Wilnesa Gaines-Thomas of DeSoto, Texas, and Ashley Gaines of Dallas, Texas; siblings Doris Gaines-Stephens of Garland, Texas, Jesse Lee Gaines (Gwinda) of Ft. Worth, Texas, Ella Mae Gaines-Smith of Tyler, Texas and Bennie Earl Gaines (Phyllis) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; grandchildren: Desmond "DJ" Luster, Jr., D'Andra Luster, and Jabari "JT" Thomas II; sisters-in-law; Janie Newton of San Antonio, Texas and Elma Jewel Johnson of Duncanville, Texas and his two closest friends; Norman Jackson of Tyler, Texas and Willis "Bob" Cannon of Dallas, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends