Lee Gainey

Lee Gainey, born January 8, 1945, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at his home in Athens, Alabama. He was a man defined by dedication, kindness, and a profound love for his family and country—a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.

Lee faithfully served in the United States Army for 21 and a half years, proudly completing two tours in Vietnam. During his military career, he excelled as a construction engineer and instructor, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his duties. While in service, Lee pursued higher education and earned his Associate’s degree, a testament to his determination and hard work. After his honorable military career, he and his beloved wife, Jeanette Gainey, jointly operated UltraClean Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, as well as Timeless Tribute Monument Company, exemplifying their partnership both in life and business.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Lee remember him as a dedicated heart of a servant, always putting others before himself. His gentle spirit was marked by genuine gratitude—when he expressed thanks, it was invariably, “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.” Known for his quick apologies and generous nature, Lee crafted beautiful rustic cedar furniture, often giving away more than he sold. He cherished his time spent fishing and woodworking, activities that reflected his patient and thoughtful character. Above all, Lee was deeply proud of his service to his country and remained an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Bolivar, Tennessee.  Lee was a member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Hornsby.

Lee’s journey was not without its struggles; he bravely battled a long illness with Parkinson’s Disease, facing it with the same resilience and dignity that defined every aspect of his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette Gainey; his daughter, Debbie Howell Acosta and her husband Mark; his sons, Jeff Howell and his wife Carol, and Chris Howell and his wife Debra; and his brother, Kenneth Gainey. His extended family includes four nieces and one nephew, as well as cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Luke Howell and his wife Kim, Dusty Howell and his wife Stephanie, Gabe Falcasantos and his wife Kylie, Lucie Falcasantos, Manny Falcasantos, Olivia Wallace and her husband Sam, Caroline Miles and her husband Cole; great grandchildren, Lucas Howell and his wife, MaKenna, Talon Howell, Lily Howell, Tziporah Wallace, and great-great grandchild, Riplee Ann Howell. Their love and support were a constant source of joy to Lee throughout his life.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Robert Gainey and Willie Esther Alford Gainey; his son, Greg Howell; his siblings, Thomas Gainey, Lance Gainey, and Maxine Gainey Gibbs; and his nephew, Donald Gibbs, as well as his great grandchild, Drew Carolynn Howell.

Family, friends, and all who cherished Lee are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on May 27, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar, Tennessee. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at the same location. Interment will take place at Wyatt Cemetery in Hornsby, Tennessee.

Lee Gainey’s life was a testament to service, humility, and love. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered for the warmth he gave to his family, his dedication to his country, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met. His legacy endures in the lives he touched and the enduring spirit of gratitude and generosity that he so gracefully embodied.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may be sent to VFW Post 2949, Bolivar or the American Parkinson Disease Association.