Hubert Wade “Santa Claus” Gaines, 84, of Pinehurst, formerly of Carthage, died Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at The Green’s Of Pinehurst.
Mr. Gaines was born in Chatham County on July 2, 1935 the son of Carl R. Gaines, Sr. and Laura (Stinson) Gaines. Hubert attended Antioch Baptist Church and had worked for Boling Chair in assembly. He had also worked at Pomona Pipe, enjoyed NASCAR, Johnny Cash and Charlie Daniels. Hubert will be fondly remembered for his appearances as Santa Claus to the delight of both young and the young at heart.
Hubert was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Gaines; his parents; brothers, George Gaines, Victor Gaines, David Gaines, Carl Gaines, Jr.; sisters, Ruth Carty, Cora Tillman, Josephine Brewer, Kate Wilkie, Gola Crawford Hunter; and grandchildren, James and Cody Teeling.
He is survived by daughters, Renee Binkley of Carthage, Michelle Bolton (James) of Asheboro, Deanna Zagada of Siler City; step-daughters, Erica Ammens of Nevada and Cindy Burton of Moncure; sisters: Myrtle Wilkie of Goldston, Iola Phillips (Bruce) of Lexington and Joyce Wicker (Jack) of Sanford; brothers, Homer Gaines (Toni) of Atlanta, GA, Eddie Gaines (Elaine) of Siler City; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The family received friends Friday, November 8, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City. The funeral was held Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church, 3825 Bonlee-Carbonton Road, Goldston with Rev. Keith Miller and Rev. Darrell Garner officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association-Raleigh Office, 2418 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Online condolences may be made at: www.pughfuneralhome.com .