Kenneth Joel Gainey

Kenneth Joel Gainey, age 63, of Bethune, S.C. passed away, Wednesday evening January 15, 2025, at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, Hartsville, S.C. Born in Camden, S.C., he was a son of the late Ralph Claiborne “R.C.” Gainey and Ada Kathryn Williams Gainey. Joel was a former Law Enforcement officer with Kershaw Co. Sheriff’s Office and a turkey farmer. He also owned and operated the Bethune Meat Market. He was a member of Timrod Baptist Church. Joel’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Player “Tissy” Gainey; 2 children, Timothy Joel “T.J.” Gainey and his wife, Jamie Ann Gainey and Erin Elisabeth Gainey Crenshaw and her fiancé Jeff Saxton; 4 grandchildren, Benjamin and his wife, Alexis, Sebastian, Jackson and Brayden; 2 great grandchildren, Carson and Elijah; his sister, Marilyn Watkins and his brother, Ralph Gainey and his wife, Rhonda. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Steven Carl “Epoo” Gainey and a great granddaughter, Lana Grace Gainey.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening, January 20, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Baker Funeral Home, 210 E. Hilton Street, Kershaw, S.C.

A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday afternoon, January 21, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the sanctuary of Timrod Baptist Church, 4227 Timrod Road, Bethune, S.C. Rev. Timmy Williams and Mr. Danny Catoe will officiate. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting stjude.org.

Active pallbearers will be Keith Arnold, Danny Catoe, Lee Collins, Ralph Gainey, Spencer Gardner and Ben Stephens and grandsons.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.