Judge Bill Gaines, 88, of Center, passed away early Monday morning, May 7, 2012 at his home. He is survived by his wife, Portia; his daughter, Jeannie; his granddaughter, Emily Glass; his sister, Melba Scurlock and her husband, Ray; his sister-in-law, Patricia and her husband, Charlie; his brother-in-law, James Payne; nine nieces and nephews; his coffee club buddies, golfing buddies and everybody at the Center Police Department.

Judge Gaines was born July 21, 1923, in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Beaumont High School and served in the United States Air Force during World War II. He was the owner-operator of the White Auto Store in Center for many years, served as a Shelby County Justice of the Peace and was the Municipal Judge for the City of Center at the time of his death.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rev. Joel McMahon and David Chadwick officiating. His cremains will be interred at Fairview Cemetery in Center.

Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter Street, Center, Texas 75935 and Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, 619 Tenaha Street, Center, Texas 75935.