Howard Leeland Gaines, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died on April 17, 2023, in Ormond Beach, FL. Born on August 16, 1928, in Washington, D.C., Howard was the only child of Charlotte Kerns and Harry Leeland Gaines.

Howard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Edith Olene Johnson, who he married September 1, 1956, at First Presbyterian Church, Arlington, VA; daughter Lynne Marie Gaines of Springfield, VA; and son David Leeland Gaines of Charlotte, NC, his wife, Terry, and two grandchildren, Natalie Virginia and Eric Leeland.

A "cradle Presbyterian," Howard's love of God and devotion to the churches he attended was apparent to all. He was an ordained Presbyterian elder and deacon, twice served as superintendent of Church School, and taught senior high youth with Edith. In his eighties, Howard dedicated himself to teaching weekly Bible classes, learning PowerPoint to engage his students.

In 1946, Howard graduated from The Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania where he led the school's dance orchestra, "The Blue and White Melodians." He had a life-long love of piano playing. Howard attended Randolph-Macon College where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and the Honor Council. After graduating in 1950, plans to become a newsprint journalist were interrupted by the Korean War. He was drafted and served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 as a Troop Information and Education Specialist.

Upon honorary discharge from the military, Howard joined his father at Gaines Hardware in Alexandria, VA; he cherished the opportunity to work closely with family. He was active in the business community, serving as president of The Alexandria Rotary Club and The Hardware Association of the Virginias. He chaired the Alexandria City United Way Campaign and was a founding Director of The Bank of Alexandria. Howard sold the family business in 1989 and retired to Ormond Beach in 1993, playing golf at Ocean Side Country Club and attending social events Halifax River Yacht Club.

An avid supporter of Washington, D.C. professional sports teams, Howard was an NFL season ticket holder for over 30 years. And in retirement, he rarely missed watching the MLB Nationals, celebrating their World Series victory at age 90.

Howard and Edith shared a love of travel and always had the next big adventure on the calendar. Exotic photos from Africa, Asia, South America and even a Caribbean Disney Cruise with the grandchildren fill memory books on their shelves.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday April 22, 2023, at Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church, 105 Amsden Rd, Ormond Beach, FL 32176 with a reception following in the fellowship hall.

Memorials can be given to the Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church Helping Hands Fund.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the ICU nursing staff at AdventHealth Daytona Beach for their compassionate care.