Obituary of Kenneth Joseph Gaines, Sr.

Kenneth Joseph Gaines, Sr., 59, passed away in Pensacola. Kenny loved to sing and make people dance; a music fanatic, he will be remembered by his many acquaintances as DJ Kenny. Kenny will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him and were enriched by his kindness, respect for others, sense of humor and joy for life, especially through his love of dance and music. Born in Pensacola, FL Kenneth grew up in the "Tan Yard", attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and maintained a life long association with St. Joseph's. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard, Sr.; mother, Helen; brothers, Harold (of Saginaw, Michigan), Michael and Leonard, Jr. and his sisters, Victoria Gaines Grasty and Diane Gaines Jackson, all of Pensacola, as well as his sister, Linda Gaines Quinn of Chicago. Kenneth is survived by his sisters, Sandra Gaines-Najiy, of Pensacola, Kathy Gaines- Smith Benboe Paige of Atlanta and Marcia Gaines-Whitfield (Woody) of Brooklyn, NY. His children, Kenneth, Jr.; Daesha Sledge and grandchildren, Morgan and Malea; several beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Kenneth's family is profoundly saddened by his passing and will miss him greatly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kenneth's name to St. Joseph's or St. Anthony's Catholic Churches and/or VH1's Save the Music, a charity dedicated to providing music classes in schools. A memorial service for Kenneth will be held Saturday, August 4, 2018 from 3:00-4:00pm at Benboe Funeral Home, 416 W. Wright Street, Pensacola, Florida. Please come as you are.