Benjamin Macarthur Gaines, Sr.

Ben M. Gaines, Sr., a true southern gentleman, died November 8, 2017 at the age of 74 in Houston, TX. He was born in Sheffield, AL on September 24, 1943 to Myriam and O.T. Gaines. Ben grew up in Iuka, MS, where he was fondly known as “Benji Mac.” He attended Iuka High School where he was involved in various clubs and the high school band as a member of the drum line. Scouting was an important activity for Ben, and he went on to become an Eagle Scout and was accepted into The Order of the Arrow Society. Ben attended the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and graduated with honors. He then received his MBA from Northwestern University in Chicago, IL.
Having worked for a number of companies early in his career, Ben found his way back to the arms of the South and moved back to his hometown of Iuka, MS where he worked as a stock broker with Dean Witter. Ben married the love of his life, Rhonda, in 1984 and from the day that they met, they were inseparable. Throughout their marriage, they shared a passion for traveling, especially cruising Crystal Cruise Line, their home away from home. Ben was a life-long member of the Iuka United Methodist Church and Rotary Club International, where he received the Paul Harris Fellow recognition in 2008. Ben ended his career as the First Vice President of Investments with Wells Fargo Advisors. Ben was a devoted family man and he adored his grandsons. He will be remembered by all those who knew him best by his quick wit, southern charm, and infectious smile.
Visitation will be Monday, November 13 at Iuka United Methodist Church from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. A celebration of Ben’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 14, at Iuka United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm, with Rev. Kerry Powell and Rev. Rod Borders officiating. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka is entrusted with arrangements.
Ben is survived by his loving wife for over 33 years, Rhonda Moore Gaines; two sons – Ben M. Gaines, Jr. of Tishomingo, MS and Adam C. Gaines of Collierville, TN; one daughter – Kimberly Potts Gramling (husband Terry) of Corinth, MS; grandchildren – Will Gramling, Eli Gramling, Grey Gaines and Jack Lester; his brother, Tony Gaines (Mary Helen) and sister Myriam (Mimi) Spencer; brother-in-law Terry Moore (Bettye Lynn); sister-in-law, Deborah Clark (Lloyd); and many adoring nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his uncle, William (Bill) Gaines, and his aunt, Majorie West.
Pallbearers include Anthony Gaines, Dr. Phillip Gray, Terry Moore, Lloyd Clark, Dr. Al Flannery, Dr. Joe Bailey, Brian Kinney, and Rachel Scribner. Honorary pallbearers include the 9:35 Coffee Club, Michael Fennell, Eric Moore, Mike Cooke, Jerome Hodge, Stan Dexter, and Ted Ross.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Iuka Heritage, Inc. (The Little Church), P.O. Box 165, Iuka, MS 38852, or Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, 100 Park Ave., Suite 108, Rockville, MD 20850.