JOSEPH "JOE" ALFRED GAINES, age 72, of Antioch, Tenn. departed this life on Friday, July 29, 2022, at STRHS Winchester, Tenn., following an extended illness.  He was born in Columbia, Tenn. on January 14, 1950.  Mr. Gaines was an athletically gifted basketball player as any player to have ever played the game. He played in the NBA and in Europe and was one of the greatest players.  He was also one of the greatest players in Belmont College's basketballs exceptional history.  He was naturally funny and witty a talent that drew people to him.  He was the owner of his trophy and awards business in Nashville before his illness. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and dear friend.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Elizabeth Hendricks.  He is survived by his daughters; Alvina Holman and husband, Alfred of Winchester, Alveda Gaines Jordan and husband, Terry Jordan of Winchester, 6 grandchildren; Shomarie Gaines, Danielle Gaines Jordan, Mycah Jordan, Aaliyah Gaines Holman, Alfred "A.J." Holman, and Ashtin Holman, great-grandson, Jontae "J.J." Jordan.  Devoted cousin, Lynn Merritt-Woodruff of Nashville and devoted friend of 53 years, Shoma Beasley.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.