David Steele Gaines

david gaines

December 21, 1960 ~ December 20, 2021

Born in: Nashville, TN
Resided in: Fletcher, NC

David’s service from Sunday, January 9, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbIwyM_EjZw

On Dec. 20, 2021, David Steele Gaines stepped into the presence of God, passing away one day shy of his 61st birthday. Born in Nashville, TN, son of his adoptive parents the late Alton and Rebecca Gaines, his passion for music ministry began as a youth while playing piano for his church. While earning his Bachelors of Arts in Music Education at Samford University (Birmingham, AL), he met his dear wife Sandra “Sandy” Thompson of Montgomery, AL. They were married on June 9, 1984, celebrating 37 years of marriage this past year. They raised two daughters, Amanda and Ashley, in a warm and loving home.

Throughout his life, David blessed countless people through his God-given gift of music as a pianist, orchestra and choral director, composer/arranger, and ordained minister. His ministry allowed him the opportunity to be a part of several churches in Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Some of his most treasured moments in ministry were national and international mission trips on which he directed youth choirs and performed in bands and orchestras.

As a professional musician, he played piano, keyboard, and trombone at venues such as the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, NC and Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock, NC. For over a decade, he worked as the choral accompanist and musical orchestra director at T.C. Roberson High School in Arden, NC. Additionally, David was a studio musician and published composer, having produced his own albums of beautiful instrumental arrangements and choral pieces.

In early 2007, David began a challenging health journey when he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. In July of 2008, he underwent a bi-lateral lung transplant at Vanderbilt University Hospital. This procedure saved his life and set him on a long path to recovery and renewed purpose. In 2017, David’s health was significantly set back due to complications from his transplant. He was hospitalized for four months, two of which were in the Intensive Care Unit at Duke University Hospital. Throughout these trials, David’s faith in the Lord grew deeper roots, his humor and wit never faded, and his love for those around him was evident in his unwavering support and encouragement. Both David and his family were deeply grateful for the thirteen years his transplant afforded him to be present for significant milestones and to continue in ministry. Knowing he is breathing easy and filling the heavens with beautiful music gives his family a glimpse of solace amidst the sorrow of their loss.

David is survived by his devoted wife, Sandy, and their two loving daughters; Amanda (husband Wilson Snead) of Canton, GA and Ashley, of Fletcher, NC.

A celebration of life for David will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 9, at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, located at 312 5th Avenue W, Hendersonville, NC. The family will receive visitors between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Burial will be private.

In order to provide a safe environment for everyone in attendance, the family is requiring guests to wear masks and practice social distancing throughout visitation and the service. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available via Facebook. David and his family are forever grateful to his anonymous lung donor. Therefore in lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the non-profit organization, Donate Life America https://www.donatelife.net/give-to-dla/.

Services

Celebration of Life: January 9, 2022 3:00 pm

First Baptist Church of Hendersonville
312 5th Ave. W
Hendersonville, NC 28739


Visitation: January 9, 2022 1:00 pm - October 14, 2024 3:00 pm

First Baptist Church of Hendersonville
312 5th Ave. W
Hendersonville, NC 28739


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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. David Gaines impacted so many lives by his life, ministry, and tremendous talent. I was one. And, he and Sandy gave the world my friend, Ashley. ❤️Blessings upon blessings, comfort from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for you, Sandy, Ashley and Amanda. You will remain in our prayers. 💔🙏

  2. Such an amazing and Godly man who was so important to so many young people in their formative years. So grateful for his influence and impact on my life. He will be greatly missed.

  3. Very Godly man who loved his family deeply. Will be greatly missed. I remember when my parents and him played in the Orchestra at BBC. Very talented man. Praying for you Sandy,Amanda and Ashley

  4. We were blessed to “house” David when he first moved to Asheville. He certainly fought the good fight and I am confident upon his arrival in heaven he was presented “The Imperishable Crown”, an inheritance incorruptible and undefined and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. His memory lives on in his music. Praying for you Sandy, Ashley and Amanda that you are surrounded with His Peace and upheld by His Everlasting Arms.

    • Sandy,Amanda and dear Ashley,
      I am so sorry for your loss. DAVID was an amazing artist! The short time i knew David i was so impressed with his talent, his wit, his fight and his sweet spirit! He is playing the piano for Jesus! Hallelujah! May our Lord comfort you and give all of you peace that passes all understanding .Love you and will continue to pray for you.♥️

  5. Sandy and girls, I am so sorry for your loss but I know your faith in God will carry you through. Our family has been hit with too much loss and sorrow in the last year. What a reunion is going on up there!!

  6. Uncle David will forever be missed. My favorite memories include all of the Christmas’ when he would play the piano and we would all sing songs and joke around.

    We will love and miss you always Uncle David. ❤

  7. I am so sorry to learn of David’s Homegoing, but I find comfort in knowing that he is rejoicing in Heaven in the presence of the Lord that he loved and served so faithfully. He was a blessing to all whose lives he touched. I am sending my thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to each of you, his family. May God’s grace sustain you all as you walk this journey of grief! My Love, in His Name ~

  8. Sandy, Amanda and Ashley I am so very sorry for your loss but I know you all take comfort in knowing he is well and rejoicing in heaven! He was loved and will be missed by so many! David was a beautiful and inspiring person! I am so blessed to have known him! May God comfort and give you peace….. Sandy Worley

  9. I was so sad to learn of David’s promotion to Heaven, but take comfort in knowing that he is rejoicing in Heaven in the presence of the Lord, whom he loved and served so faithfully. He was a blessing to all whose lives he touched. To you his family, I send my thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy. May God’s grace sustain you all as you walk this journey of grief. My Love, in His Name, Alton

  10. I only knew a short while but he was a great friend. All the Christmas shows just display the depth of his love for the Lord. May God comfort Sandy and the girls. He will be greatly missed .

  11. I am so saddened to learn of David’s homegoing. His music deeply impacted my life; and I was so fortunate to see him twice in area concerts.
    My prayers are with you, Sandy, Amanda & Ashley, during this time of of grieving….

  12. I can’t tell you how sad and sorry I am for your loss. David was the absolute best. I will always cherish the memories. Love all of you!

  13. To my favorite piano player and a great friend…love you man…rest in peace…and keep the jam session going til I get there.


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