Ben Phillip Gaines, Sr.

April 14, 1933 – June 19, 2026

Phil Gaines, Sr., 93, of Siler City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on April 14, 1933, Phil was the son of the late Corbett Gaines and Clara Phillips Gaines. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Shellie Gaines and John Gaines; his sister, Delores Register; great-grandchildren, Christian and Creighton; and his dear friends, Rufus and Roy.

Phil proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during his military service. He built a successful career as the founder of United Fire and Safety Equipment Company, a business he poured his heart into and remained passionate about throughout his life.

In 1978, he married the love of his life, JoAnn Gaines, who survives him. Together they blended and built a large, loving family that was the center of Phil’s world.

Phil was a longtime member of Loves Creek Baptist Church and was known for his strong faith, generous spirit, and unwavering love for family and friends. He enjoyed golfing, fishing—and sharing plenty of fish tales—and cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Redskins. Above all else, he treasured time spent with his family, his beloved mother, our sweet “Big Mama”, his many friends, and the many people who loved him throughout the Goldston community.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Gaines; his children, Phil Gaines, Jr. (Kim), Tara Burns (Paul), Ben Gaines (Valerie), Tonya Jordan (Cary), and Anthony Meeks; brother Max Gaines.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chad Gaines (Ann), Laura Nall (Randy), Holly Vega (Samuel), Phillip Gaines, Taylor Burns, Hannah Ross (Tyler), Riley Gaines, Noah Jordan, Brittany Elrod (Keith), Michael Meeks (Ashley), and Jared Meeks.

His legacy continues on through his great-grandchildren, Alexa, Clara, Grady, Deckard, Gatlin, Natalie, Samuel Jr., Adalynn, Everly, Nolan, Colson, and Leo.

Phil’s family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caregivers, Moni, Fonda, Jo-Jo, and Sheba. Their compassion, friendship, and loving care brought comfort, joy, and companionship to his life. They became much more than caregivers—they became cherished friends whom “Pa” loved dearly, and the family will always be grateful for the kindness and devotion they showed him.

Phil will be remembered for his warm smile, his love for people, and his deep devotion to family. His presence filled every room, and his impact will be felt for generations. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him—including his dear Lolita, the joke that brought years of laughter and fond memories to the family.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home in Siler City.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Loves Creek Baptist Church in Siler City. Burial with military honors will follow at Goldston Cemetery with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to Goldston Fire Department or Authoracare of Burlington.

Smith and Buckner Funeral Home is proud to serve the Gaines family